US07714007B2
A composition having sustained pain-relieving properties such that the composition may be administered to a subject to alleviate chronic pain. The composition includes an effective amount of at least one glutaminase inhibitor. A method for alleviating chronic pain in a subject for an extended period of time is also disclosed, in which the compound is administered to a subject suffering from chronic pain at a site of inflammation such that the administration of the compound results in a reduction in at least one of thermal and mechanical pain responses at the site of inflammation for a period of at least two days without any resulting acute pain behavior. The composition may further include an effective amount of at least one compound having analgesic effects such that the composition also alleviates acute pain.
US07714006B1
A method of increasing the bioavailability, and decreasing the effect of age on the bioavailability, of metaxalone, by administration of an oral dosage form with food is provided, as well as an article of manufacture comprising an oral dosage form of metaxalone in a suitable container and associated with printed labeling which describes the increased bioavailability, and decreased effect of age on bioavailability, of the medication in the container, when taken with food.
US07714002B2
The present invention provides novel urea mimics and analogues of Formula (I): or a stereoisomer, tautomer, pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate form thereof, wherein the variables A, B, W, and R6 are as defined herein. These compounds are selective inhibitors of the human P2Y1 receptor which can be used as medicaments.
US07714001B2
Novel vinylazacycloalkane compounds of Formula (I) are disclosed. The compounds are ligands of various nAChRs. The compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be used to prepare pharmaceutical compositions and/or medicaments intended to prevent or treat disorders associated with dysfunction of nAChRs, especially within the central nervous system or the gastrointestinal system. Examples of types of disorders that can be treated include neurodegenerative disorders, including central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, cognitive disorders, motor disorders such as Parkinson's disease, drug addiction, behavioral disorders and inflammatory disorders within the gastrointestinal system. The compounds can also serve as analgesics in the treatment of acute, chronic or recurrent pain.
US07713990B2
This invention relates to novel 8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives useful as monoamine neurotransmitter re-uptake inhibitors.In other aspects the invention relates to the use of these compounds in a method for therapy and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention.
US07713988B2
This invention relates to a compound of formula I, wherein R1, R2, R3, m, n, W, X and Y are as defined herein, or a physiologically tolerated salt thereof, its pharmaceutical composition and use for lowering blood glucose, treating diabetes, or increasing insulin release.
US07713986B2
The invention relates to methods and compounds for treating chemotherapy-induced anemia. In particular, methods for treating chemotherapy-induced anemia in subjects refractory to treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin are encompassed herein.
US07713984B2
The invention relates to the pharmaceutical use of specific substance P antagonists, in particular 1-acylpiperidine substance P antagonists, especially N-benzoyl-2-benzyl-4-(azanaphthoyl-amino)-piperidines, e.g. of formula wherein X and Y are each independently of the other N and/or CH and the ring A is unsubstituted or mono- or poly-substituted by substituents selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, halogen, nitro and trifluoromethyl; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof for treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in the absence of serotonin agonist/selective serotonin reuptake inhibitory therapy, or for the treatment of fibromyalgia or associated functional symptoms.
US07713981B2
The invention is directed to methods and compositions for inhibiting caspase-independent apoptosis. In particular, methods and compositions for inhibiting Omi/HtrA2 activity, as well as method for identifying other inhibitors of Omi/HtrA2. Also disclosed are Omi/HtrA2 specific substrates and methods for identifying other substrates of Omi/HtrA2.
US07713980B2
The present invention relates to novel crystalline modifications of N-α-(2,4,6-triisopropylphenylsulfonyl)-3-hydroxyamidino-(L)-phenylalanine 4-ethoxycarbonylpiperazide and/or salts thereof, which can be used as pharmaceutical agents, and to pharmaceutical compositions and pharmaceutical uses comprising these novel crystalline modifications.
US07713978B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same and to their use in the treatment of gastrointestinal and other disorders.
US07713973B2
Compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and kits are provided for use with kinases that comprise a compound selected from the group consisting of: wherein the variables are as defined herein.
US07713970B2
Certain novel phenyl substituted cyclic urea derivatives have unexpected insecticidal activity. These compounds are represented by formula I: where A, B a, D, b, E, G, c, d, J, X and R through R10, inclusively, are fully described herein. In addition, compositions comprising an insecticidally effective amount of at least one compound of formula I, and optionally, an effective amount of at least one of a second compound, with at least one insecticidally compatible carrier are also disclosed; along with methods of controlling insects comprising applying said compositions to a locus where insects are present or are expected to be present.
US07713965B2
A subject of the invention is the compounds of formula (I): in which either R1 represents H, OH, NH2, —(CH2)m—NRaRb(m=0.1 or 2), Ra and Rb represent H, linear, branched or cyclic (C1-C6) alkyl, (C3-C6) cycloalkyl-(C3-C6)— alkyl, Rc, S(O)2Rc, C(O)Rc, S(O)2Rd or C(O)Rd; or Ra and Rb with N form an Rc radical; Rc represents a saturated, unsaturated or 5- or 6-members aromatic ring, containing 1 to 4 heteroatoms chosen from N, O and S, optionally substituted; Rd represents a linear, branched or cyclic (C1-C6) alkyl, optionally substituted by 1 to 4 halogens; or R1 represents Rc or CHReRc or CHReRd; Re represents H, OH, NH2, NH—(C1-C6)-alk or N-(C1-C6)-alk2, or NH—(C1-C7)-acyl or NHRc; R2 represents H, (CH2)m—NRaRb, Rc, CHReRc or CHReRd, and R′2 represents H.
US07713958B2
The invention provides a novel class of compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat or prevent diseases and disorders associated with kinase activity, particularly diseases associated with the activity of CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, CDK5, GSK3β, Bcr-abl, Flt-3, c-Kit, PDGFRβ, Src, Mek1 and CK1.
US07713956B2
Derivatives of pyrrolo[2,1-b]benzothiazepines with formula (I) where A is CH—CH2C═CH; R is hydrogen, halogen, C1-C4 alkoxy, C1-C4 alkylthio, C1-C4 alkyl, C5-C6 cycloalkyl; R1 is 1-peperazinyl, 1-homopiperazinyl and 1-piperidinyl; R2 is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkoxy, C1-C4 alkylthio, C1-C4 alkyl, CHO, CH═NOH,CH2OH. The formula (I) compounds are endowed with characteristic atypical anti-psychotic activity, and are therefore useful as medicaments, in particular for the treatment and prevention of schizophrenia, paranoid states, manic-depressive states, disorders of the affective sphere, social regression, personality regression, and hallucinations. Said compounds also present advantageous pharmacokinetic properties.
US07713941B2
Nucelosides and nucleotides containing a tricyclic base portion thereof are useful for treating infectious diseases and proliferative disorders, such as viral infections or cancer respectively.
US07713919B2
A composition for removing copper from a surface comprises a polyphosphonic acid, a primary amine, and water. Optionally, the composition may also comprise a dialkanolamine and/or a trialkanolamine, a degreaser, and/or a surfactant. The pH of the composition is between 9.0 and 12.5. The method of removing copper from a surface, which may be a gun bore, involves contacting the surface with the composition.
US07713918B2
Methods and compositions useful for subterranean formation treatments, such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control that include porous materials. Such porous materials may be selectively configured porous material particles manufactured and/or treated with selected glazing materials, coating materials and/or penetrating materials to have desired strength and/or apparent density to fit particular downhole conditions for well treating such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control treatments. Porous materials may also be employed in selected combinations to optimize fracture or sand control performance, and/or may be employed as relatively lightweight materials in liquid carbon dioxide-based well treatment systems.
US07713915B1
A method is provided for constructing, identifying and using new therapeutic or diagnostic proteins capable of binding to a target cell. The new proteins are derived by mutating a binding subunit of a wild type heteromeric cytotoxic protein to create a library of microorganism clones producing mutant proteins which are then screened for their ability to specifically bind to and kill a target cell.
US07713914B2
A weak organic acid is used to effect the release of CaDPA from Bacillus or Clostridium endospores, rapidly and at room temperature, to enable detection and measurement of DPA and thereby the assessment of risk associated with exposure to Bacillus anthracis, Clostridium botulinum, and like spores. The method can be applied to airborne, food-borne, and water-borne spores, as well as to spores collected from surfaces or contained in body fluids, and analysis is advantageously carried out using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
US07713903B2
A carrier that may be used in the manufacture of an olefin epoxidation catalyst is provided that is prepared from a process involving depositing boron on the carrier and subsequently calcining the carrier. Also provided is an olefin epoxidation catalyst comprising a silver component deposited on such a calcined carrier. Also provided is a process for the epoxidation of an olefin employing such a catalyst and a process for producing a 1,2-diol, a 1,2-diol ether, or an alkanolamine employing the olefin oxide.
US07713901B2
The present invention relates to a coating composition using a catalyst for selective catalytic reduction for the removal of nitrogen oxides from the exhaust gas, a catalytic module element for selective catalytic reduction and a catalytic module for selective catalytic reduction for the removal of nitrogen oxides, and more specifically to a catalytic module element in which and a catalytic module element for selective catalytic reduction in which a plurality of plate-type or waveform glass fiber sheets on which the coating layer of a catalyst for selective catalytic reduction are formed, are repeatedly laminated and a catalytic module for casing the catalytic module element. According to the present invention, the production process is simple, economical and productive and the catalytic module element for selective catalytic reduction is excellent not only in decomposition efficiency of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas, but also in durability, economic efficiency and thermal shock resistance. Further, the present invention has an advantage capable of providing a catalytic module that can be used in an operation by directly placing it on the actual spot.
US07713898B2
A catalyst is formed from a phosphorus-containing ZSM-5-type zeolite. The ZSM-5-type zeolite has a silica/alumina molar ratio of at least 200. The phosphorus-containing ZSM-5-type zeolite also has a phosphorus content of at least 8% by weight of zeolite and has multiple phosphorus species exhibited by at least two 31P MAS NMR peaks with maxima at from about 0 to about −50 ppm. The catalyst may be used in aromatic alkylation by contacting the catalyst with a feed of an aromatic hydrocarbon and an alkylating agent under reaction conditions suitable for aromatic alkylation.
US07713896B2
A method for preparing ceramic green compacts for ceramic assemblies, especially ceramic multilayer assemblies. First, a dispersing agent solution is prepared by homogenizing a dispersing agent in a solvent mixture. Then, a binder solution is prepared by homogenizing a solvent mixture, a binder made of acrylatemethacrylate polymer and a softener. After preparing a first dispersion by homogenizing a ceramic powder and the dispersing agent solution and subsequent deagglomerization, a second dispersion is prepared by homogenizing the first dispersion and the binder solution, and subsequently removing air and highly volatile solvent components from the second dispersion.
US07713884B2
A semiconductor wafer is placed in a chamber of a film-deposition apparatus, and gas in the chamber is exhausted from a gas exhaust outlet. Then, with interrupting the exhaust, an inert gas is introduced into the chamber so that the chamber has a pressure of 133 Pa or higher and lower than 101325 Pa, and then a mixed gas of an inert gas and a source gas for depositing a metal oxide film is introduced into the chamber. Then, after exhausting the gas in the chamber, an oxidation gas is introduced into the chamber to react with the molecules of the source gas absorbed on the semiconductor wafer to form a metal oxide film on the semiconductor wafer. By repeating these steps, a metal oxide film having a desired film thickness is deposited on the semiconductor wafer with a film-thickness distribution by an ALD method.
US07713878B2
A method of recovering a first substrate, including the steps of: sticking a second substrate on a semiconductor layer epitaxially grown on the first substrate; and separating the semiconductor layer and the first substrate. Furthermore, a method of reproducing a first substrate, including the step of surface processing the first substrate separated. Furthermore, a method of reproducing a first substrate, including the step of homoepitaxially growing the first substrate surface processed. Furthermore, a method of producing a semiconductor wafer, including the step of epitaxially growing a semiconductor layer on a first substrate. Thus a group III nitride or similar, expensive substrate can be used to efficiently and economically, epitaxially grow a group III nitride or similar semiconductor layer.
US07713868B2
A method for forming a strained metal nitride film and a semiconductor device containing the strained metal nitride film. The method includes exposing a substrate to a gas containing a metal precursor, exposing the substrate to a gas containing a nitrogen precursor activated by a plasma source at a first level of plasma power and configured to react with the metal precursor with a first reactivity characteristic, and exposing the substrate to a gas containing the nitrogen precursor activated by the plasma source at a second level of plasma power different from the first level and configured to react with the metal precursor with a second reactivity characteristic such that a property of the metal nitride film formed on the substrate changes to provide the strained metal nitride film.
US07713867B2
A semiconductor device includes contact plugs formed in contact holes defined in an interlayer dielectric. Upper portions of the contact plugs are etched. A first barrier layer is formed on a surface of the interlayer dielectric including the contact plugs. A second barrier layer is formed on the first barrier layer over the interlayer dielectric. The second barrier layer has lower compatibility with a metallic material than the first barrier layer. A first metal layer is formed over the first and second barrier layers. The first metal layer, the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer are then patterned.
US07713866B2
Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises a method of forming a barrier layer. The method of forming the barrier layer includes providing a workpiece, forming a first material layer over the workpiece, the first material layer comprising a nitride-based metal compound. A second material layer is formed over the first material layer. The second material layer comprises Ta or Ti. The barrier layer comprises the first material layer and at least the second material layer.
US07713864B2
A method of cleaning a semiconductor substrate conductive layer surface that can remove a residual organic material and a natural oxide satisfactorily and does not adversely affect a k value without damaging the side-wall insulation film of a via hole. A semiconductor device, including insulation films formed on the surface of a conductive layer of a semiconductor substrate and a via hole formed in an insulation film to partly expose the conductive layer, is carried into a reaction vessel, plasma including hydrogen is generated in the reaction vessel to clean the surface of the conductive layer at the bottom of the via hole, a residual organic material is decomposed and removed by ashing, and a copper oxide film on the surface of the conductive layer is reduced to Cu.
US07713861B2
The method mainly contains the following steps. First, an UBM is formed on a top side of a semiconductor's I/O pad. An isolative layer and a metallic foil are sequentially arranged in this order on the UBM. Then, a via is formed to expose the top surface of the UBM. Subsequently, a thin metallic layer is formed in the via and a resist is formed on the metallic foil. Then, by using the metallic foil and the thin metallic layer as an electrode to conduct electrical current, a metallic bump is formed using electroplating in the via on the top side of the UBM. Finally, the resist and the metallic foil are removed and the formation of the metallic bump is completed. Optionally coating on bump may be needed for certain chosen bump materials.
US07713852B2
A semiconductor method includes thermally treating at least a portion of a substrate so as to generate a plurality of vacancies in a region at a depth substantially near to a surface of the substrate. The substrate is then quenched so as to substantially maintain the vacancies in the region substantially near to the surface of the substrate.
US07713850B2
Method for forming a structure provided with at least one zone of one or several semiconductor nanocrystals (13). It consists in: exposing with a beam of electrons (11) at least one zone (12) of a semiconductor film (1) lying on an electrically insulating support (2), the exposed zone (12) contributing to defining at least one dewetting zone (10) of the film (1), annealing the film (1) at high temperature in such a way that the dewetting zone (10) retracts giving the zone of one or several nanocrystals (13).
US07713843B2
In the method of fabricating an optical semiconductor device, a semiconductor layer is formed on an InP region, and includes semiconductor films. A first etching mask is formed on the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer is etched through the first etching mask to form a semiconductor mesa and a first marking mesa, each mesa includes an active layer and an InP cladding layer, the InP cladding layer being provided on the active layer. The active layer is made of semiconductor material different from InP. An InP burying region is grown through the first etching mask on a side of the semiconductor mesa and a side of the first marking mesa to bury the semiconductor mesa and the first marking mesa. A second etching mask is formed on the InP burying region after removing the first etching mask, and has an opening located above the first marking mesa. InP in the InP burying region and the first marking mesa is etched through the second etching mask to form a second marking mesa. The alignment mark includes the second marking mesa, and the active layer is exposed on the top of the second marking mesa.
US07713841B2
A support structure for use with a semiconductor substrate in thinning, or backgrinding, thereof, as well as during post-thinning processing of the semiconductor substrate includes a portion which extends substantially along and around an outer periphery of the semiconductor substrate to impart the thinned semiconductor substrate with rigidity. The support structure may be configured as a ring or as a member which substantially covers an active surface of the semiconductor substrate and forms a protective structure over each semiconductor device carried by the active surface. Assemblies that include the support structure and a semiconductor substrate are also within the scope of the present invention, as are methods for forming the support structures and thinning and post-thinning processes that include use of the support structures.
US07713827B2
Disclosed herein is a method of making a semiconductor device. According to the method, a flowable oxide (FOX) is deposited over a semiconductor substrate, and a local active region is exposed to grow an active region, by a silicon epitaxial growth (SEG) method, to prevent generation of a void when a device isolation structure is formed by a Shallow Trench Isolation (STI) method, and to prevent formation of stress between the semiconductor substrate and the FOX.
US07713821B2
A silicon (Si)-on-insulator (SOI) high voltage transistor is provided with an associated fabrication process. The method provides a SOI substrate with a Si top layer. A control channel and an adjacent auxiliary channel are formed in the Si top layer. A control gate overlies the control channel and an auxiliary gate overlies the auxiliary channel. A source region is formed adjacent the control channel, and a lightly doped drain (LDD) region is interposed between the auxiliary channel and the drain. An interior drain region is interposed between the control and auxiliary channels. Typically, the Si top layer has a thickness in the range of 20 to 1000 nm. In one aspect, the Si top layer in the source, control channel, interior drain, and auxiliary channel regions is thinned to a thickness in the range of 5 to 200 nm, and raised source, drain, LDD, and interior drain regions are formed.
US07713815B2
A vertical or three-dimensional non-planar configuration for a decoupling capacitor is provided, which significantly reduces the required die area for capacitors of high charge carrier storage capacity. The non-planar configuration of the decoupling capacitors also provides enhanced pattern uniformity during the highly critical gate patterning process.
US07713812B2
A substrate with a second semiconductor layer and a second mask film formed thereon is subjected to a heat treatment in an oxidizing atmosphere. Thus, second oxidized regions are formed through oxidization of the second semiconductor layer in regions of the second semiconductor layer that are not covered by the second mask film. At the same time, a second base layer is formed in each region that is interposed by the second oxidized regions. Then, the second mask film is removed, and a third semiconductor layer is selectively grown on the surface of the second base layer that is exposed between the second oxidized regions so as to cover the second oxidized regions, after which the first oxidized regions and the second oxidized regions covering the entire upper surface of the substrate are removed.
US07713810B2
The disclosed embodiments relate to a method for the production of a layer arrangement, a layer arrangement and a memory arrangement. According to one aspect at least one respectively laterally defined first layer sequence is embodied on a first surface area of a substrate and at least one respectively laterally defined second layer sequence is embodied on a second surface area of the substrate in order to produce a layer arrangement. A first side wall having a first thickness is respectively produced from a first electrically insulating material on at least one partial area of the side walls of the first and second layer sequences. A second side wall layer having a second thickness is respectively produced from a second electrically insulating material on at least one partial area of the first side wall layers and the second side wall layers are removed from the first layer sequences.
US07713802B2
This invention relates to a method of sulfuration treatment for InAlAs/InGaAs metamorphic high electron mobility transistor (MHEMT), and the sulfuration treatment is applied to the InAlAs/InGaAs MHEMT for a passivation treatment for Gate, in order to increase initial voltage, lower the surface states and decrease surface leakage current, which makes the MHEMT work in a range of high current density and high input power.
US07713798B2
Disclosed are a thin film transistor substrate of an LCD device and a method of manufacturing the same. The thin film transistor substrate includes a nickel-silicide layer formed on an insulating layer pattern including silicon and a metal layer formed on the nickel-silicide layer. Nickel is coated on the insulating layer pattern including silicon and a metal material is coated on the nickel-coated layer. After that, a heat treatment is performed at about 200 to about 350° C. to obtain the nickel-silicide layer. Since the thin film transistor substrate of the LCD device is manufactured by applying the nickel-silicide wiring, a device having low resistivity and good ohmic contact property can be obtained.
US07713797B2
A pixel structure including a gate, a gate dielectric layer, a patterned semiconductor layer having a channel area disposed above the gate, a patterned dielectric layer having an etching-stop layer disposed above the gate and a number of bumps, a patterned metal layer having a reflective pixel electrode, a source and a drain, an overcoat dielectric layer, and a transparent pixel electrode sequentially disposed on a substrate is provided. The source and the drain respectively cover portions of the channel area. The reflective pixel electrode connects the drain and covers the bumps to form an uneven surface. The overcoat dielectric layer disposed on a transistor constituted by the gate, the gate dielectric layer, the patterned semiconductor layer, the source and the drain has a contact opening exposing a portion of the reflective pixel electrode. The transparent pixel electrode is electrically connected to the reflective pixel electrode through the contact opening.
US07713791B2
The invention relates to a panel and a semiconductor device including a composite plate with semiconductor chips and a plastic packaging compound, and to processes for producing them. For this purpose, the panel having a composite plate has semiconductor chips arranged in rows and columns on a top side of a wiring substrate. The wiring substrate is covered by a plastic packaging compound in a plurality of semiconductor device positions, the rear sides of the semiconductor chips being fixed on the wiring substrate. A plastic packaging compound in the region of the boundary surfaces with the semiconductor chips has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is matched to that of silicon, while the remaining plastic packaging compound has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is matched to that of the wiring substrate and is therefore correspondingly higher.
US07713790B2
A tape automated bonding (TAB) structure which includes a flex tape having a conductive lead pattern formed thereon. The conductive lead pattern includes a plurality of leads configured to form an inner lead bond (ILB) portion of the TAB structure. At least one of the plurality of leads is internally routed and has a contact exposed interior to the ILB portion of the TAB structure.
US07713788B2
An inexpensive method of manufacturing a semiconductor package using a redistribution substrate that is relatively thin. The method includes: attaching a semiconductor chip to a redistribution substrate; attaching the redistribution substrate to which the semiconductor chip is attached to a printed circuit board; removing a support substrate of the redistribution substrate; forming via holes to expose a bond pad of the semiconductor chip and a bond finger of the printed circuit board; and filling the via holes with a conductive material. Meanwhile, a redistribution substrate to which at least one other semiconductor chip may be mounted on the redistribution substrate.
US07713778B2
A method of generating three-dimensional nanostructures that includes providing a silicon substrate, creating a porous silicon template from the silicon substrate, wherein the template is created to have a predetermined configuration, depositing a predetermined material on the porous silicon template, and removing the porous silicon template from the deposited material to leave a freestanding nanostructure.
US07713776B1
A method of making a light emitting diode includes forming a plurality of electrically conductive members at intervals on a first surface of an epitaxial layer which generates light so that the electrically conductive members are in ohmic contact with the epitaxial layer, forming a light incident layer on the first surface at regions where none of the electrically conductive members are formed, forming a light reflecting layer on the light incident layer and the electrically conductive members, providing an adhesive on the light reflecting layer, and bonding a permanent substrate to the light reflecting layer through the adhesive and through a wafer bonding process.
US07713774B2
Embodiments relate to a method of manufacturing an image sensor which may include forming a gate pattern including a tunnel oxide film, an oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) film, a floating gate and a control gate over a semiconductor substrate. An oxide film and a nitride film may be formed over the semiconductor substrate including the gate pattern. A photoresist pattern may be formed which covers the oxide film and the nitride film formed over the gate pattern. The nitride film may be etched in a region not covered by the photoresist pattern. The oxide film may be etched to have a predetermined thickness. A deep implant process may deeply implant an N-type dopant into the semiconductor substrate. Ashing and cleaning processes may remove the remaining photoresist pattern.
US07713769B2
The present invention discloses a light emitting diode structure and a method for fabricating the same. In the present invention, a substrate is placed in a solution to form a chemical reaction layer on carved regions; the carved region is selectively etched to form a plurality of concave zones and form a plurality of convex zones; a semiconductor layer structure is epitaxially grown on the element regions and carved regions of the substrate; the semiconductor layer structure on the element regions is fabricated into a LED element with a photolithographic process.
US07713768B2
In this method for producing an anti-reflective film, pores are formed on a surface of a polymer molding material to continuously change a refractive index and then reduce reflectance, in which anodic oxidized porous alumina, in which pores having a tapered shape and whose pore diameter continuously changes, are formed by repeating anodic oxidation at about the same formation voltage and pore diameter enlargement treatment, is used as a mold, or a stamper, which is produced by using the anodic oxidized porous aluminum as a mold, is used as a mold.
US07713767B2
A method of making a circuitized substrate (e.g., PCB) including at least one and possibly several internal optical pathways as part thereof such that the resulting substrate will be capable of transmitting and/or receiving both electrical and optical signals. The method involves forming at least one opening between a side of the optical core and an adjacent upstanding member such that the opening is defined by at least one angular sidewall. Light passing through the optical core material (or into the core from above) is reflected off this angular sidewall. The medium (e.g., air) within the opening thus also serves as a reflecting medium due to its own reflective index in comparison to that of the adjacent optical core material. The method utilizes many processes used in conventional PCB manufacturing, thereby keeping costs to a minimum. The formed substrate is capable of being both optically and electrically coupled to one or more other substrates possessing similar capabilities, thereby forming an electro-optical assembly of such substrates.
US07713766B2
A light sensor located above an integrated circuit including a lower electrode, a heavily-doped amorphous silicon layer of a first conductivity type, and a lightly-doped amorphous silicon layer of a second conductivity type. The lightly-doped amorphous silicon layer rests on a planar surface at least above and in the vicinity of the lower electrode.
US07713760B2
A method of monitoring a processing system for processing a substrate during the course of semiconductor manufacturing is described. The method comprises acquiring data from the processing system for a plurality of observations. It further comprises constructing a principal components analysis (PCA) model from the data, wherein a weighting factor is applied to at least one of the data variables in the acquired data. The PCA mode is utilized in conjunction with the acquisition of additional data, and at least one statistical quantity is determined for each additional observation. Upon setting a control limit for the processing system, the at least one statistical quantity is compared with the control limit for each additional observation. When, for example, the at least one statistical quantity exceeds the control limit, a fault for the processing system is detected.
US07713759B2
The invention relates to a method for making an imagery device comprising at least one matrix of pixels made of a photon detecting semiconducting material (43), deposited on a substrate in which electronic devices are integrated and with metallic surfaces (42), in which a material capable of improving bond of the semiconducting material is deposited on the metallic surfaces (42) only of this substrate before the semiconducting material (43) is deposited on the said substrate.
US07713749B2
The present invention provides a substrate for protein microarrays, whereby compound A and GPTS are mixed for coating onto a solid support to form a layer, wherein said compound A is selected from a group consisting of nitrocellulose, poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) and polyvinylidene fluoride. Moreover, the present invention also provides a protein microarray by depositing proteins on said layer of said substrate.
US07713748B2
A flow-through assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes a scavenging zone that contains a capture reagent for the analyte of interest. The capture reagent may capture a quantity of the analyte that is less than or equal to a predefined base quantity of the analyte, such as a quantity considered “normal” for a particular test sample. Thus, the capture reagent is able to prevent some of the analyte from being detected. In this manner, the sensitivity of the assay device may be reduced in a simple, inexpensive, yet effective manner.
US07713746B2
The invention provides a dipstick and a kit comprising the dipstick, for testing for the presence of a plurality of different targets in a sample solution which comprises: a dipstick having a plurality of different capture zones and, immobilised to each capture zone, a different capture moiety, each capture moiety capable of capturing a different target; and, separately, a plurality of different detection probes, each detection probe capable of binding to a different target and each detection probe being labelled with or enabling the formation of a detection signal so that the presence of each target is indicated by the formation of a signal at the capture zone for that target; wherein the target for at least two of the capture moieties is a disease causing micro-organism or a marker indicating the existence of a disease, disorder, or condition of the host from which the sample solution was derived, and wherein at least two of the capture moieties are capable of binding to different components or markers of the same disease causing micro-organism as targets for those capture moieties. The dipsticks and kits may be used for confirmatory assays of infection by an infectious agent or disease causing microorganisms.
US07713745B2
The invention relates to immobilization methods, in particular for immobilizing indicator molecules on supports such as sensors and to sensors having those molecules immobilized to their surface. Non-covalent immobilization of macromolecular indicator molecules on those supports via mechanical interlacing with polymers at the surface of a support and via ionic bonding via charged moieties of indicator molecules and ionic groups on the surface of the support are disclosed.
US07713734B2
A disposable device is provided for culturing and/or packaging and transporting ready-to-use viable cells cultured on membranes, gels or micro porous substrata. The device includes a housing base defining an interior for culturing cells. The membrane to be used for culturing the cells is placed inside the housing base and fixed with a ring. The base is closed by a lid, which is designed to protect the underlying cells during transport as well as minimize the volume of media used during culture, as well as transport. Media leakage is prevented by the silicon gasket as well as the snaps provided in the device.
US07713725B2
Described herein is a composition useful for inducing expression of genes whose expression is under control of an inducible promoter sequence and methods for the compositions preparation and use.
US07713719B2
The present invention provides methods to reduce or eliminate α-mannosidase resistant glycans on glycoproteins in yeast. The reduction or elimination of α-mannosidase resistant glycans on glycoproteins results from the disruption of the newly isolated P. pastoris AMR2 gene encoding β1,2-mannosyltransferase. The present invention also discloses novel genes, polypeptides, antibodies, vectors and host cells relating to α-mannosidase resistance on glycans.
US07713716B2
Provided is a method for detecting the degree of toxicity of toxic materials within a sample. The method includes contacting sub-mitochondrial particles having competent mitochondrial enzyme formed from the inner membranes of mitochondria, an electron donor which transmits electrons to the electron transfer system of the sub-mitochondrial particles, and a sample which will be tested; adding tris-2,2′-bipyridyl-ruthenium (II) ion to the reaction mixture; and measuring electrical variables of the reaction mixture. Also, provided is an apparatus and kit for detecting the presence of toxic materials within a sample.
US07713713B2
The present invention provides a polypeptide having an intracellular calcium ion indicator function, which contains the following elements (a)-(c): (a) a polypeptide residue consisting of a membrane localization signal sequence; (b) a first fluorescent polypeptide residue; and (c) a second fluorescent polypeptide residue in the order of (a), (b) and (c) from the N-terminal side, wherein one of the two fluorescent polypeptide residues is a donor for fluorescence resonance energy transfer, the other is the corresponding acceptor, and the two fluorescent polypeptide residues are connected with a linker polypeptide residue containing at least one calpain sensitive sequence, thereby to allow fluorescence resonance energy transfer between them.
US07713703B1
The invention relates in part to the use of independent assay controls (IACs) for the optical communication between an assay device and an instrument in monitoring and performing assays, preferably immunoassays.
US07713699B2
The present invention provides novel polynucleotides encoding HGPRBMY23 polypeptides, fragments and homologues thereof. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant and synthetic methods for producing said polypeptides. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods for applying these novel HGPRBMY23 polypeptides to the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of various diseases and/or disorders related to these polypeptides, particularly renal diseases and/or disorders, colon cancer, breast cancer, and diseases and disorders related to aberrant NFKB modulation. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the present invention.
US07713692B2
A system used to detect and assay genes by using a nucleic-acid probe substrate is disclosed, which can be used in highly general-purpose genetic chips usable for various purposes, and has a temperature control means enabling control of temperature of the whole genetic chip in a high reproducibility and uniformity, and further even satisfies low-cost performance. A method for detecting and assaying gene nucleic acids by using such a system is also disclosed. A heat-conductive material made up using a material having good thermal conductivity, having a shape having general-purpose properties, is used as the temperature control means, and is disposed in such a form that it covers substantially the whole substrate face or stands in contact therewith, on the back of the substrate, or on the side facing the surface to which the detecting single-stranded nucleic acid fragments have been immobilized. This makes it possible to improve the diffusion of heat in the in-plane direction of the whole substrate face. In addition, heat is given and received through such a heat-conductive material.
US07713688B2
The invention provides compositions and methods for cell separation. These reagents and techniques specifically agglutinate cells via surface antigen recognition and can be used to recover even rare cell types in high yield.
US07713686B2
An organ preservation container includes a gas impermeable housing for containing an organ. At least two liquids having different densities and forming a liquid-liquid interface are also contained in the housing. A closure for hermetically sealing the housing is provided. A structure is provided within the housing for engaging the organ and for maintaining a portion of the organ at the liquid-liquid interface such that the organ will be maintained partially in both of the liquids. A method for preserving the organ is also described.
US07713681B2
A method for preparation of a lithographic printing plate including: exposing with a laser a lithographic printing plate precursor including a support and a photosensitive layer containing a sensitizing dye, a radical polymerization initiator, a radical polymerizable compound and a binder polymer; and subjecting the exposed lithographic printing plate precursor to development processing with a developer having pH of from 3 to 9 to remove an unexposed area of the photosensitive layer, wherein the binder polymer is a polymer having an acid value of from 10 to 250 mg-KOH/g and the developer contains a compound represented by one of the formulae <1>, <2> and <3> defined herein.
US07713676B2
A donor sheet for transferring an image pattern to an image receiving element by a thermal imaging process using laser beam, comprising a base having formed in order on the base a light-to-heat conversion layer, and a transfer layer containing an image component which is melted by heating due to an action of the light-to-heat conversion layer and transferred to the image receiving element in a patterned form, in which the image component of the transfer layer contains an ink-repellent or solvent-repellent compound in an optimized amount. Using the donor sheet, it becomes possible to produce an separation member such as partition pattern and black matrix of a color filter by a shortened manufacturing step with ease and accuracy at high contrast, and can impart excellent ink repellency to the separation member.
US07713675B2
There is provided a method of manufacturing a toner, using a shearing force for granulation, in which bubbles are prevented from arising upon application of the shearing force, thus manufacturing a diameter-reduced toner having a particle diameter of about 5 μm which is favorable for enhancement in definition and resolution of images. Upon granulating after a kneaded product of toner raw material is mixed with water dispersion, an interior part of granulating system is heated and pressurized and moreover, both of the shearing force and collision force are applied to the kneaded product of toner raw material by use of a high-speed rotating dispersion type granulator composed of a cylindrical pressure-resistant container, a spinning rotor, following screens, and a fixed screen.
US07713672B2
To provide an image forming apparatus including a latent electrostatic image bearing member; a charging unit; an exposing unit; a developing unit; a transferring unit; and a fixing unit, wherein the binder resin of a toner comprises a polyester-based resin (A) and a polyester-based resin (B) having a melting point which is at least 10° C. higher than that of the polyester-based resin (A), the polyester-based resins (A) is a resin which is derived from a (meth)acrylic acid-modified rosin and which has a polyester unit obtained by condensation polymerization of an alcohol component and a carboxylic acid component containing a (meth)acrylic acid-modified rosin, and the polyester-based resin (B) is a resin derived from a fumaric acid/maleic acid-modified rosin and has a polyester unit obtained by condensation polymerization of an alcohol component and a carboxylic acid component containing any one of a fumaric acid-modified rosin and a maleic acid-modified rosin.
US07713669B2
A toner for developing electrostatic images, comprising a binder resin and a colorant, the binder resin including a crystalline polyester resin and an amorphous resin. When, in differential scanning calorimetry of the toner according to ASTM D3418-8, the temperature of the endothermic peak derived from the crystalline polyester resin in a first heating process is defined as Tm1 (° C.), the endothermic quantity based on the endothermic peak in the first heating process is defined as ΔH1 (mW/g), and the endothermic quantity based on the endothermic peak in a second heating process is defined as ΔH2 (mW/g), Tm1 is 50 to 80° C., and ΔH1 and ΔH2 satisfy the relationship represented by the following Formula (1). When the softening temperature of the toner is defined as Tf1/2 (° C.), Tf1/2 is 85 to 135° C. Tm1 and Tf1/2 satisfy the relationship represented by the following Formula (2): 0.35≦ΔH2/ΔH1≦0.95 Formula (1) Tf1/2≦205−(1.4×Tm1) Formula (2).
US07713665B2
A mask for a lithographic apparatus is disclosed, the mask having a patterned region bearing a pattern to be transferred onto a substrate and a border surrounding the patterned region, wherein at least part of the border has a plurality of elements, the dimensions of the elements being such that, during use, they would not be resolved at the substrate. Also, a lithographic apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus having a projection system, a substrate table arranged to hold a substrate, and a patterning device having a patterned region which bears a pattern to be transferred using a radiation beam via the projection system onto the substrate, at least part of a border surrounding the patterned region comprising a plurality of elements arranged to direct radiation onto the substrate, the dimensions of the elements such that, during use, they are not resolved at the substrate.
US07713642B2
A system and method for operating a fuel cell, including reacting a fuel with an oxidant within the fuel cell to produce electricity and reaction products comprising steam. The fuel is fed through the fuel cell, wherein a concentration of the steam increases in the first direction through the fuel cell. The direction of fuel-flow through the fuel cell is altered or reversed upon satisfying a condition, thereby altering the concentration gradient of steam in the fuel cell and providing for removal of carbon deposition with the fuel cell. Such reversal of fuel flow may also provide an exhaust from the fuel cell that can regenerate an external or adjacent hydrocarbon reformer.
US07713632B2
The invention provides a substrate bearing a low-maintenance coating. The coating includes two films: a first film comprising silica (e.g., silicon dioxide) and a second film comprising titania (e.g., titanium dioxide). Preferably, both films are provided within particular thickness ranges. The invention also provides methods of depositing such coatings.
US07713631B2
A ceramic paste is applied to a first glass sheet 11, and a ceramic paste is applied to a second glass sheet 13 with a lower solar absorptivity than that of the first glass sheet 11. In this case, the amount per unit area of the ceramic paste to be applied to the first glass sheet 11 is allowed to be smaller than that of the ceramic paste to be applied to the second glass sheet 13. Alternatively, a first ceramic paste and a second ceramic paste are allowed to have different compositions from each other. The first glass sheet 11 and the second glass sheet 13 are bent so that the surfaces onto which the ceramic pastes have been applied are shaped as concave surfaces. The applied ceramic paste is fired using the heating used for bending. Thus maskings 12 and 14 are formed. The first glass sheet 11 and the second glass sheet 13 are bonded to each other, with a resin interlayer film 15 being interposed therebetween.
US07713625B2
The invention relates to a nucleating agent for polyethylene terephthalate and injection molding method thereof. The nucleating agent comprises a SiO2 core grafted with bis(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalate, which accelerates the crystallization of polyethylene terephthalate for injection molding.
US07713619B2
There is provided doll hair having an unprecedented curly hairstyle using a multifilament having a spiral structure with many random overlaps through a twisting step, a thermal fixing step, an untwisting step, and a thermal provisional fixing step. Specifically, the doll hair of the present invention is achieved by a multifilament processed through a twisting step, a thermal fixing step, an untwisting step, and a thermal provisional fixing step, wherein the number of twist in the twisting step is 100 to 600 times/m, the thermal fixing step is performed by treatment at 60 to 100° C. for 1 to 60 minutes, the number of twist in the untwisting step is 1.1 times or more of the number of twist in the twisting step, the thermal provisional fixing step is performed by treatment at 50° C. to 70° C. for 5 to 30 minutes in a cone or hank, and the multifilament preferably has an apparent specific gravity of 0.02 to 0.1 g/cm3 and a stretching ratio of 1.0 to 15.0%.
US07713617B2
A charge control composition for controlling the resistivity of recording media used in electrophotographic printing processes is herein disclosed. The charge control composition is included in one or more layers applied to a substrate of the recording media. The charge control composition is an admixture of an electrolyte, a solvent, an organic carrier, and a co-organic carrier. The organic carrier is selected to form and maintain at least some physical and/or chemical bonds with the solvent such that he organic carrier will retain a fraction of the solvent during a high temperature fusion procedure. The co-organic carrier is selected to have a smaller molecular weight than the organic carrier and will also form at least some physical and or chemical bonds with a solvent.
US07713609B2
A first substrate is formed to include a surface on which a first record layer is formed, and which includes an inner circumferential portion on which a ring-shaped member is provided. Ultraviolet curing resin is dropped onto part of the surface which is located inward of the ring-shaped member, and the first substrate is then spun to coat the first record layer with the ultraviolet curing resin. Furthermore, a second substrate is formed to include a surface on which a second record layer is formed, and the second substrate is spun to coat the second record layer with ultraviolet curing resin. Then, the first and second record layers are made to face each other, and the first and second substrates are bonded to each other by the ultraviolet curing resin.
US07713605B2
A heat-sealable container seal having a integral, heat-releasable promotional token attached thereto comprises a promotional token bound to a sealant sheet by a layer of wax. At least one of the surfaces of the promotional token and the sealant sheet that contacts the layer of wax is capable of absorbing liquid wax when the layer of wax is melted. At least one surface of the promotional token has promotional indicia visible thereon. The sealant sheet has a heat-sealable container contacting surface. Preferably, at least one of the promotional token and the sealant sheet includes a layer of metal foil. In use, the container seal provides a seal over the access opening of a container and also provides a promotional token, such as a redeemable coupon, within the container closure, loosely disposed over the seal.
US07713601B2
A heat-shrinkable polylactic acid (PLA) film and a method of its manufacture are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the PLA films exhibit heat-induced shrinkage in the transverse direction with little to no concomitant shrinkage in the machine direction. The films may comprise any grade of PLA polymer, optionally including additives, such as antiblock, slip, plasticizers, viscosity enhancers and combinations thereof. A method of cast and tenner manufacture is disclosed, which includes a temperature conditioning step.
US07713600B2
An insulating glass unit includes an elastoplastic spacer strip and at least two panes. The spacer strip includes a drying agent and has side surfaces configured to adhere to opposite pane surfaces, an inside surface configured to face an inside space between the panes, and an outer surface that is opposite to the inside surface and is coated with a vapor-sealing layer. The spacer strip is dimensionally stable and has a high absorption capacity for water vapor. The spacer strip includes a jacket of a silicone material and a core of the drying agent.
US07713598B2
Disclosed is a recording medium with a lenticular lens for ink jet recording. The recording medium includes: a lenticular lens layer having a convex part surface, on which a plurality of semicylindrical or arcuate and elongated convexes are arranged in parallel, and a backside surface; and an ink absorptive layer provided on the backside surface of the lenticular lens layer. In the recording medium, an ink permeable layer for avoiding the stay of ink droplets on a recorded face after printing, or an adhesive layer for rendering the recording medium easily fixable to a wall, a mount and the like, or a temporarily applicable part is further provided.
US07713595B2
A method of forming an optical compensation film includes coating one or more first layers and one or more second layers onto a carrier substrate, and stretching the first layers and second layers simultaneously. The one or more first layers include a polymer having an out-of-plane birefringence (Δnth) not more negative than −0.005 and not more positive than +0.005, and the one or more second layers include a polymer having an out-of-plane birefringence more negative than −0.005 or more positive than +0.005. The overall in-plane retardation (Rin) of the optical compensation film is greater than 20 nm and the out-of-plane retardation (Rth) of the optical compensation film is more negative than −20 nm or more positive than +20 nm.
US07713592B2
A hybrid deposition process of CVD and ALD, called NanoLayer Deposition (NLD) is provided. The nanolayer deposition process is a cyclic sequential deposition process, comprising the first step of introducing a first plurality of precursors to deposit a thin film with the deposition process not self limiting, then a second step of purging the first set of precursors and a third step of introducing a second plurality of precursors to modify the deposited thin film. The deposition step in the NLD process using the first set of precursors is not self limiting and is a function of substrate temperature and process time. The second set of precursors modifies the already deposited film characteristics. The second set of precursors can treat the deposited film such as a modification of film composition, a doping or a removal of impurities from the deposited film. The second set of precursors can also deposit another layer on the deposited film. The additional layer can react with the existing layer to form a compound layer, or can have minimum reaction to form a nanolaminate film.
US07713590B2
A formulation for a high performance Photoluminescent powder coat and a process by which a substrate is covered with multiple layers to give both photoluminescent and other advantageous qualities to said substrate. The first layer applied to the substrate is a retroreflective layer to provide retroreflective action to the second photoluminescent layer. A variety of translucent layers can then be applied over the photoluminescent layer to give such properties as antibacterial or antimicrobial action, non-slip surface or durability, and special textures. The layers can also provide such advantageous qualities as temperature resistance and electroconductivity or electrodissipation. Although this process has a variety of applications, it gives specific advantage to all forms of door hardware, both providing illumination for low-light conditions and advanced qualities such as heat or flame resistance.
US07713589B2
A method for making an array of carbon nanotubes includes the steps of: (a) providing a substrate with a film of catalyst provided thereon; (b) disposing the substrate in a reaction chamber; (c) introducing a carrier gas into the reaction chamber and heating the reaction chamber to a predetermined temperature; (d) introducing a carbon source gas and a hydrogen gas into the reaction chamber separately and simultaneously; the hydrogen gas being introduced such that the hydrogen gas has less of a distance to travel in the reaction chamber than does the carbon source gas to reach the substrate; and (e) growing the array of the carbon nanotubes from the substrate.
US07713585B2
The invention relates to the use of a composition comprising a chlorinated polyester resin in which the polyester satisfies formula (I) below: together with a crosslinking catalyst and a crosslinking accelerator in order to plug a crack affecting the wall of a metal device intended to contain a radioactive acid material. It is especially applicable in the maintenance of metal equipment of nuclear installations, in particular equipment that is for irradiated nuclear fuel reprocessing.
US07713581B2
The invention relates to a method for impregnating a support matrix with solid and/or liquid compounds using a compressed gas or a compressed mixture of gases at densities ranging from 0.15 to 1.3 kg/l and at least two unsymmetrical pressure changes (pulsations). The method is further characterized in that both a multitude of impregnating substances such as biologically active compounds, technical materials or metal-organic compounds, as well as support matrices of biological origin and organic or inorganic substances can be used that have large inner surfaces and/or inner surfaces that are difficult to access.
US07713578B2
A method for fabricating a thin film pattern on a substrate includes a bank forming step of forming banks in a predetermined pattern on said substrate, a first material disposing step of disposing first liquid droplets made of a function liquid between said banks to form a first pattern, a second material disposing step of disposing second liquid droplets made of a function liquid on said first pattern, and an intermediate drying step of removing at least a part of a solvent contained in said first liquid droplets between said first material disposing step and said second material disposing step.
US07713577B2
Graphitic structures have been prepared by exposing templates (metal, metal-coated ceramic, graphite, for example) to a gaseous mixture that includes hydrocarbons and oxygen. When the template is metal, subsequent acid treatment removes the metal to yield monoliths, hollow graphitic structures, and other products. The shapes of the coated and hollow graphitic structures mimic the shapes of the templates.
US07713574B2
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.
US07713562B2
An animal feed is provided that employs a substantially indigestible cation exchanger capable of binding ammonium cations and an acidogenic substance to acidify an animal's manure and thereby create ammonium cations that can be bound by the cation exchanger. The animal feed reduces ammonia emissions from manure produced by animals fed the animal feed compared to the emissions obtained from manure when an acidogenic substance is fed alone and compared to the emissions obtained from manure when a cation exchange capacity material is fed alone. According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of lowering ammonia emissions from manure is provided. The present invention also provides a method for reducing soluble phosphorus levels in manure and a method for reducing total phosphorus levels in manure. In a further aspect of the present invention, a method is provided that yields manure that may be used alone or in concert with other materials to act as a fertilizer having advantageous ecological properties. Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for reducing insect populations associated with manure.
US07713554B2
The subject invention provides a process and apparatus for making “enhanced water” that is uniquely suitable for improving circulation, hydration and insulin usage with diabetics. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the invention provides methods for the treatment and/or prevention of diabetes as well as the prevention or delay in development of diabetes-related complications, conditions or diseases.
US07713553B2
A method of manufacture of a liquid pesticide containing copper. A first step involves forming of a solidified water soluble copper-borate complex. A second step involves dissolving the solidified water soluble copper-borate complex in water, until the water contains a concentration of at least 0.02% by weight of copper.
US07713549B2
A tablet for the controlled release of a pharmaceutically active ingredient. The tablet is in the form of coated DST's and MLDST's so that immediate release or time-delayed release can be achieved. Further, such extended release DST's and MLDST's may provide zero order or first order extended release kinetics depending on the excipients and types of pharmaceutically active ingredients in the tablet formulation. The time delay coating is made of high molecular weight water soluble polymers so that dose dumping can be minimized even when the hydrated surface of the DST and MLDST peels off. A second coating of low molecular weight water soluble polymer with a pharmaceutically active ingredient dispersed therein provides for pulsatile release.
US07713548B2
Disclosed are amorphous solid dispersion formulations comprising 7-chloro-N,N,5-trimethyl-4-oxo-3-phenyl-3,5-dihydro-4H-pyridazino[4,5-b]indole-1-acetamide.
US07713547B2
A drug-containing pharmaceutical tablet adapted for accurate breaking which has two or more segments with at least one segment containing a drug.
US07713543B2
A method and product are provided for the treatment of connective tissue weakened due to destruction of tissue architecture, and in particular due to elastin degradation. The treatment agents employ certain unique properties of phenolic compounds to develop a protocol for reducing elastin degradation, such as that occurring during aneurysm formation in vasculature. According to the invention, elastin can be stabilized in vivo and destruction of connective tissue, such as that leading to life-threatening aneurysms in vasculature, can be tempered or halted all together. The treatment agents can be delivered or administered acutely or chronically according to various delivery methods, including sustained release methods incorporating perivascular or endovascular patches, use of microsphere carriers, hydrogels, or osmotic pumps.
US07713542B2
Living cellular material is encapsulated or placed in a protective material (cell protector) which is biocompatible, biodegradable and has a three-dimensional form. The three dimensional form is incorporated into a matrix that maybe implanted in vivo, ultimately degrade and thereby by replaced by living cell generated material.
US07713535B2
The invention relates to the therapeutic use of oligonucleotides as immunostimulatory agents in immunotherapy applications. More particularly, the invention provides immunomers for use in methods for generating an immune response or for treating a patient in need of immunostimulation. The immunomers of the invention comprise at least two oligonucleotides linked at their 3′ ends, internucleoside linkages or functionalized nucleobase or sugar to a non-nucleotidic linker, at least one of the oligonucleotides being an immunostimulatory oligonucleotide and having an accessible 5′ end.
US07713527B2
Piglet feed is supplemented with anti-E. coli K88 antibody-containing egg powder having a titer of the K88 antibodies of at least 1/256,000 as a means of improving growth performance of piglets.
US07713519B2
The photostabilizing electronic excited state energy—particularly singlet state energy from a UV-absorbing molecule has been found to be readily transferred to (accepted by) α-cyanodiphenylacrylate compounds of formulas (I) and (V) having an alkoxy radical preferably in the four (para) position (hereinafter methoxy crylenes) on one or both of the phenyl rings: wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is a straight or branched chain C1-C12 alkoxy radical, preferably C1-C8, more preferably C1-C4, and most preferably methoxy, and any non-alkoxy radical R1 or R2 is hydrogen; and R3 is a straight or branched chain C1-C24 alkyl radical, preferably C12-C24, more preferably C20; wherein A and B are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of oxygen, amino and sulfur; R1 and R3 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of C1-C30 alkyl, C2-C30 alkylene, C2-C30 alkyne, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C1-C30 substituted alkylene, C2-C30 substituted alkyne, aryl, substituted aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, substituted heteroaryl and substituted heterocycloalkyl; R2 is selected from the group consisting of C1-C30 alkyl, C2-C30 alkylene, C2-C30 alkyne, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C1-C30 substituted alkyl, C3-C8 substituted cycloalkyl, C1-C30 substituted alkylene, C2-C30 substituted alkyne; R4, R5, R6 and R7 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of C1-C30 alkoxy straight chin on branched and a, b, c and d are each either 0 or 1, and a, b, c and d add up to 1, 2, 3, or 4.
US07713518B2
A capsule for a powder has a body which is provided with an internal chamber (21) to hold the powder and first and second openings to an exterior environment. The body is adapted to be displaced from a filling state, in which the first and second openings are placed in fluid communication with one another through the internal chamber thereby enabling an airflow to be created through the body from the second opening to the first opening which is able to entrain powder in the exterior environment into the internal chamber for filling thereof, to a sealing state in which the internal chamber is sealed from the exterior environment so as to retain the powder held therein.
US07713517B2
Example compositions of liposomes with hydrophilic polymers on their surface, and containing relatively high concentrations of contrast-enhancing agents for computed tomography are provided. Example pharmaceutical compositions of such liposomes, when administered to a subject, provide for increased contrast of extended duration, as measured by computed tomography, in the bloodstream and other tissues of the subject. Also provided are example methods for making the liposomes containing high concentrations of contrast-enhancing agents, and example methods for using the compositions.
US07713516B2
A method is for determining suitability of various contrast agents for the imaging examination of the. In this case, a tissue sample is taken from the patient, it is divided into a plurality of individual samples and a contrast agent which binds to a particular target structure in the tissue is added to each individual sample. The individual samples are examined by an analysis or imaging method in order to determine the suitability of the various contrast agents for the imaging examination of the patient.
US07713512B2
The present invention relates to new crystalline molecular sieve SSZ-75 having STI topology prepared using a tetramethylene-1,4-bis-(N-methylpyrrolidinium) dication as a structure-directing agent, and methods for synthesizing SSZ-75.
US07713510B2
Methods are provided for producing bromine wherein an aqueous solution is formed from at least a bromide source, an oxidant, and a catalyst comprising a Group 1 cation and an oxide of a transition metal.
US07713502B2
The invention relates to a process for recycling fuel cell components containing fluorine-containing and precious metal-containing constituents: in this process, the fluorine-containing constituents are separated off from the precious metal-containing constituents by treatment with a medium present in the supercritical state. Preference is given to using water as supercritical medium. After the fluorine-containing constituents have been separated off, the precious metal-containing residues can be recovered in a recycling process without harmful fluorine or hydrogen fluoride emissions. The fluorine-containing constituents can likewise be recovered. The process is used in the recovery of precious metals and/or fluorine-containing constituents from membrane fuel cells, electrolysis cells, batteries, sensors and other electrochemical devices.
US07713498B2
A manufacturing plant for carrying out a process for the catalytic dehydrogenation of a first unsaturated hydrocarbon to form a second unsaturated hydrocarbon which has one olefinically unsaturated bond more than the first unsaturated hydrocarbon and otherwise an unchanged carbon skeleton, which process comprises: contacting in a first step a feed comprising the first unsaturated hydrocarbon with a first dehydrogenation catalyst having a temperature parameter T1 and a selectivity parameter S1, and contacting in a second step a reaction product of the first step comprising the first unsaturated hydrocarbon and the second unsaturated hydrocarbon with a second dehydrogenation catalyst having a temperature parameter T2 and a selectivity parameter S2, such that T1
US07713496B2
The invention has two primary portions, a means to provide ultra-violet radiation and a means for adsorbing organic, inorganic and, optionally, pathogens. The means to provide ultra-violet radiation comprises ultra-violet light sources emitting, at least in part, in the spectrum around 265 nm. Light emitting devices, including light emitting diodes and other solid state light emitting devices are available in this range as well. The adsorbent portion comprises several different adsorbent media, including zeolites, titanium dioxide (TiO2), alumina, carbon, micro- and/or nano-porous carbon, other minerals with a naturally occurring micro- and/or nano-porous structure, synthetic, including organic, substrates with a micro- and/or nano-porous structure, and surface-modified variations of the preceding adsorbents.
US07713495B2
An ozone generating apparatus is provided which includes a pair of electrodes for producing a discharge by the application of an ac voltage therebetween, and at least one dielectric provided between the pair of electrodes. A source gas containing oxygen is provided into a discharge space in which the discharge is produced to generate ozone by the action of the discharge. A surface lying between at least one of the pair of electrodes and the discharge space and in contact with the discharge has a surface resistivity of 104 Ω to 1011 Ω. The source gas provided into the discharge space includes ultrapure oxygen having a purity of not less than 99.9%.
US07713479B2
A liquid analyser has a reactor portion and an associated measurement portion. A sample pump is operable to deliver a liquid sample to a reactor vessel. A base pump supplies a base solution to the reactor vessel. An ozone generator supplies ozone to the reactor vessel. The liquid sample is oxidised in the reactor vessel by means of hydroxyl radicals which are generated using the base solution and ozone to reduce complex components of the liquid sample to their lowest state in solution. The oxidised sample solution is delivered to an optical detector in the measurement portion to determine the concentration of one or more selected materials such as nitrogen, phosphorous or a heavy metal in the oxidised sample solution.
US07713471B2
An electrical device for performing a particular function includes a system circuit for performing the function, and a dedicated power supply for providing power to the circuit. Both the system circuit and the power supply are hermetically sealed within a housing. The device within the housing is intended to be sterilized using high temperature, reaching a sterilization temperature. According to the invention, the device includes a thermal switch which is electrically connected between the system circuit and the power supply. The thermal switch is switchable between an open position wherein the system circuit is electrically isolated from the power supply and receives no power therefrom and a closed position wherein the system circuit is electrically connected to the power supply and receives power therefrom. The thermal switch switches from its closed position to its open position in response to the temperature within the housing rising to a predetermined switch-open temperature value. The thermal switch thereafter switches from its open position to its closed position in response to the temperature within the housing cooling to a switch-closed temperature value. With the present invention, the electrical components of a device are automatically protected from thermal damage during sterilization.
US07713470B2
A thin and large high toughness die-cast product is provided that is formed from an Al—Mg casting alloy having the composition 3.5 wt %≦Mg≦4.5 wt %, 0.8 wt %≦Mn≦1.5 wt %, Si<0.5 wt %, Fe<0.5 wt %, a sum (Ti+Zr) of amounts of Ti and Zr added of equal to or greater than 0.3 wt %, and a ratio (Ti/Zr) of the amounts of Ti and Zr added of at least 0.3 but not more than 2, with the balance being Al.
US07713468B2
Method of producing a sintered body comprising the steps of mixing one or more powders forming hard constituents with powders forming a binder phase comprising cobalt powder where the cobalt powder comprises cobalt having mainly a fcc-structure defined as the peak height ratio between the Co-fcc(200)/Co-hcp(101) being greater than or equal to about 3/2, as measured between the baseline and maximum peak height, measured by XRD with a 2θ/θ focusing geometry and Cu-Kα radiation. The present invention also relates to a ready-to-press powder comprising cobalt having mainly a fcc-structure and where the cobalt powder has a grain size (FSSS) of from about 0.2 to about 2.9 μm. The present invention also relates to sintered bodies made according to the method. The sintered bodied according to the present invention have reduced porosity and less crack formation.
US07713462B2
An ink composition is provided that includes a perfluoroalkyl group-containing polymer, a polymerizable monomer, and a radical polymerization initiator, in which at least 80 wt % of the polymerizable monomer is a monofunctional polymerizable monomer selected from the group consisting of a monofunctional acrylate, a monofunctional methacrylate, a monofunctional vinyloxy compound, a monofunctional N-vinyl compound, a monofunctional acrylamide, and a monofunctional methacrylamide. There are also provided an inkjet recording method that includes a step of discharging the ink composition onto a recording medium and a step of curing the ink composition by irradiating the discharged ink composition with actinic radiation, a printed material obtained by the inkjet recording method, and a process for producing a molded printed material that includes a step of forming an image by discharging the ink composition onto a support by an inkjet method, a step of irradiating the image thus obtained with actinic radiation so as to cure the ink composition and obtain a printed material having the image cured on the support, and a step of molding the printed material.
US07713459B2
The present invention relates to cellulose fiber containing 500 to 2000 of filaments and having homogeneous physical properties and the multi-filaments according to the present invention is characterized in that the strength and the breaking elongation of the multi-filaments are 4 to 9 g/d and 4 to 15%, respectively. In particular, the present invention is characterized in that each mono-filament selected 100 strands from every three part divided from multi-filaments has properties as following: (a) 3 to 9 g/d in average strength, 7 to 15% in average breaking elongation and 0.035 to 0.055 in by birefringence, (b) the differences of the above three parts are below 1.0 g/d in average strength, 1.5% in breaking elongation and 0.7 denier in denier, (c) the CV (%) (coefficient of variation) of the above three parts are below 10%, and (d) the birefringence differences of the above three parts are below 0.004.
US07713447B2
A method is disclosed of detecting an output signal that is representative of an alternating electrical signal from a subject. The method includes the steps of: providing a monitoring sensor on the subject, wherein the monitoring sensor includes a conductive element and a composite material that includes a polar material that is substantially dispersed within a polymeric material; receiving the alternating electrical signal from the subject such that the composite changes its dielectric constant responsive to alternately ascending and collapsing voltages of the alternating electric signal from the subject; and providing an output signal via the conductive element responsive to changes in the dielectric constant of the composite that are representative of the alternating electric signal from the subject.
US07713446B2
Novel, simple methods are presented directed to the synthesis of nanofibers of polyaniline and substituted derivatives. The production of these fibers is achieved via various methods by controlling the concentration of aniline monomer or substituted aniline derivatives or an oxidant in the reaction medium and maintaining said concentration at a level much lower than conventional polyaniline synthesis methods. Methods are disclosed relating to the use of a permeable membrane to control the release of a monomer and/or oxidant as well as a bulk polymerization method.
US07713444B2
This invention relates to mixtures of new polypiperidine compounds of general formula (I) with other known polypiperidine compounds which impart to polymer materials of different kinds, in particular polyolefins, high stability towards oxidative action and photodegradation.
US07713438B2
At least one cholesteric liquid crystal composition is mixed with at least one first nematic liquid crystal compound or composition, thereby exhibiting a TGBA phase at room temperature. The first nematic liquid crystal compound or composition preferably includes a compound having a cyano group, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a perfluoroalkoxy group or a perfluoroalkyl group at the terminal thereof. The cholesteric liquid crystal composition preferably contains a second nematic liquid crystal compound or composition and a chiral reagent.
US07713436B1
Doped electrically actuatable (electrically addressable or switchable) polymer flakes have enhanced and controllable electric field induced motion by virtue of doping a polymer material that functions as the base flake matrix with either a distribution of insoluble dopant particles or a dopant material that is completely soluble in the base flake matrix. The base flake matrix may be a polymer liquid crystal material, and the dopants generally have higher dielectric permittivity and/or conductivity than the electrically actuatable polymer base flake matrix. The dopant distribution within the base flake matrix may be either homogeneous or non-homogeneous. In the latter case, the non-homogeneous distribution of dopant provides a dielectric permittivity and/or conductivity gradient within the body of the flakes. The dopant can also be a carbon-containing material (either soluble or insoluble in the base flake matrix) that absorbs light so as to reduce the unpolarized scattered light component reflected from the flakes, thereby enhancing the effective intensity of circularly polarized light reflected from the flakes when the flakes are oriented into a light reflecting state. Electro-optic devices contain these doped flakes suspended in a host fluid can be addressed with an applied electric field, thus controlling the orientation of the flakes between a bright reflecting state and a non-reflecting dark state.
US07713435B2
Carboxylate salts of amines are used as components of heat exchange fluids. The amines may have a ratio of N to C of 1:0 to 1:12 and the carboxylate anion may be derived from an acid of the formula H(CH2)0-3COOH. A preferred monoamine heat exchange fluid utilizes triethanolamine formate. Lower carboxylate salts of diamines and triamines having the formula R2[N[(CH2)mNR]1-2]R where each R is independently selected from moieties of the formula —CnH2n+1 and moieties of the formula H[O(CH2)1-4]—, each m is independently a number from 1 to 6, and each n is a number from 1 to 4, are disclosed as compounds.
US07713430B2
Apparatus, systems and methods for plasma etching substrates are provided. The invention achieves dissipation of charge build-up on a substrate being plasma etched to avoid notching or twisting in high aspect ratio contents and similar features.Charge build-up on a substrate being etched by plasma etching can be dissipated by a method for etching a substrate, the method comprising: providing a plasma processing chamber comprising a chamber enclosure and a substrate support adapted to support a substrate within the chamber enclosure; supporting a substrate on the substrate support; forming a plasma within the chamber enclosure such that a surface of the substrate is in contact with the plasma; etching the substrate by generating a negative bias on the substrate surface relative to the plasma; and intermittently changing the bias on the substrate surface to positive relative to the plasma. The present method can be readily integrated into known plasma processing systems.
US07713417B2
A wastewater treatment system is provided including an aerobic membrane bioreactor and an anaerobic digester system connected to receive wasted solids continuously from the aerobic membrane bioreactor and also connected to return effluent from the anaerobic digester system continuously to the aerobic membrane bioreactor. Further, a process is provided for treating wastewater including the step of wasting a volume fraction of organic cell mass from an aerobic membrane bioreactor to an anaerobic digester system and maintaining a solids retention time (SRT) in the bioreactor that is (1) greater than a time needed to achieve growth of organisms suitable for converting carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD) into cell mass and (2) less than a time at which substantial decay of the organisms occurs. The system and process may further include optional pretreatment and/or phosphorus and/or nitrogen removal downstream of the membrane bioreactor system.
US07713415B2
Submerged media useful with or without aeration and/or mixing to enhance an aquatic environment by promoting and retaining biogrowth. The media takes the form of a cluster of individual flexible elements having free ends. The media are submerged in a liquid such as a water or wastewater treatment basin or an aquaculture environment. The media are characterized by the ability to promote and retain microbial growth. The media clusters have substantial flow through thicknesses to provide a three dimensional effect along with baffling for increased contact with the liquid being treated. The media may be thin strips constructed to avoid sticking together to allow maximum exposed surface area. The media clusters can create oxic, anoxic and anaerobic environments for maximum treatment during flow through the media cluster. The flexibility of the media elements and their free ends automatically dislodges excessive biomass buildup to avoid clogging of the media.
US07713410B2
In a waste water treatment apparatus and/or method, waste water containing aminoethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide is introduced into a first denitrification tank within a first waste water treatment apparatus. Malodorous gas generated in the first waste water treatment apparatus is decomposed and treated in a second waste water treatment apparatus where another waste water is treated as another system. The second waste water treatment apparatus has a second nitrification tank including a semi-anaerobic section. The malodorous gas is introduced from the first waste water treatment apparatus into a scrubber. The malodorous gas is treated by sludge which is circulated between the second nitrification tank and the scrubber.
US07713400B2
A method of rapidly cooling molten mixtures of alkali metal alloys in which the metal components of said alloys have a wide divergence of melting points that result in separation of the alkali metals during cool down. A calcium-sodium alloy is produced in an electrolysis cell. A method of high pressure atomization of the calcium-sodium alloy and its subsequent rapid cooling produces a calcium nodular particulate that is encased in a sodium flocculant. The material manufactured is used as a nodular electrolytic flocculant reactant in the electrolyte of an alkaline battery.
US07713398B2
A selective plating apparatus for applying selective electrolytic plating to a metal member includes: a mask member having a recess portion so that a space is formed to which predetermined parts of a surface of the metal member are exposed when the mask member is attached to the metal member, and having at least one supply opening for supplying electrolytic plating solution into the space and a discharge opening for discharging the electrolytic plating solution from the space both formed in a bottom portion of the recess portion; and at least one injection nozzle which injects the electrolytic plating solution in an oblique direction with respect to the predetermined parts of the surface of the metal member, and is arranged in vicinity of the supply opening.
US07713392B2
A test strip and analytical apparatus have pin connections permitting the definition of geographic regions or of particular customers. A test strip made for use in a particular region or for a particular customer will have pin connections matching features of the apparatus made for use in that region or by that customer. Insertion of the strip into the apparatus does not merely turn on the apparatus, but provides the regional or customer coding. Analog switches within the apparatus allow coding of a larger number of distinct regions or customers than would otherwise be possible, all without degrading the quality of the measurements made of the fluid being tested. Conductive paths in the strips permit testing the strips during manufacture so as to detect quality lapses regarding the printing or deposition of the paths.
US07713377B2
Apparatus is provided for plasma treating a substrate. This has a chamber (2) and a plasma generator (4) which forms a plasma from one or more gases flowing within the chamber so as to produce one or more species for interacting with a substrate (8) placed within the chamber. A guide (12) is provided for directing the gas flow containing the species towards the substrate (8). When in use, the width of the plasma is greater than that of the substrate by an amount defining an outer region of plasma. The guide is adapted to direct the species from at least substantially all of the outer region of the plasma towards the substrate. A corresponding method of plasma treatment is also disclosed.
US07713366B2
A piezoelectric/electrostrictive film is formed on a solid-phase support, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive film including an incompletely bonded region which is incompletely bonded in a predetermined pattern to the solid-phase support, and a bonded region which is bonded to the surface of the solid-phase support so that the incompletely bonded region can be separated. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive film is bonded to a substrate and is separated from the solid-phase support in the bonded region. As a result, the incompletely bonded region is transferred to the substrate. The transferred incompletely bonded region is used as a piezoelectric/electrostrictive film for manufacturing a piezoelectric/electrostrictive film device.
US07713365B2
An adhesive composition of between 10-70% by weight of a latex emulsion, between 30-80% by weight of an acrylic, between 0.05-5% by weight of a surfactant, and between 1-50% by weight of water, and an adhesive application system for applying the adhesive composition having the adhesive, a propellant, a pressure container for containing the adhesive and the propellant under pressure, and a valve system to regulate the flow of the adhesive and propellant out of the pressure container.
US07713362B2
A method for producing a plate of steel which is resistant to abrasion and whose chemical composition includes, by weight: 0.24%≦C<0.35%; 0%≦Si≦2%; 0%≦Al≦2%; 0.5%≦Si+Al≦2%; 0%≦Mn≦2.5% 0%≦Ni≦5%; 0%≦Cr≦<5% 0%≦Mo≦1%; 0%≦W≦2%; 0.1%≦Mo+W/2≦1%; 0%≦B≦0.02%; 0%≦Ti≦1.1%; 0%≦Zr≦2.2%; 0.35%
US07713349B2
Coatings including pigments comprising substrate particles with ultrafine metal oxide particles deposited on the surfaces thereof and made by a plasma process are disclosed. The substrate particles may comprise an oxide such as SiO2, Al2O3, Bi2O3 and the like. The ultrafine metal oxide particles may be partially oxidized such as Cu2O, Ti3O4 and the like. The pigments may be used in coating compositions in which the substrate particles substantially match the refractive index of the coating composition base, and the ultrafine metal oxide particles provide the desired reflectance characteristics for the coating.
US07713333B2
The present invention relates generally to adsorbents for use in pressure swing adsorption (PSA) prepurification processes. The invention more particularly relates to the design of adsorbent zones to be used in PSA prepurification processes that are expected to provide for extensions in PSA cycle time, thereby reducing blowdown loss and operating costs associated with the process. One particular embodiment of the present invention includes a first adsorption zone containing activated alumina and a second adsorption zone of an alumina-zeolite mixture or composite adsorbent in which the volume of the first zone does not exceed 50% of the total volume of the first and second zone.
US07713326B2
Thiol ester compositions, methods of making the thiol ester compositions, and methods of using the thiol ester compositions are provided. In some embodiments, the thiol ester compositions include thiol esters, hydroxy thiol esters and cross-linked thiol esters. The thiol ester composition can be used to produce cross-linked thiol esters, sulfonic acid-containing esters, sulfonate containing esters and thioacrylate containing esters. The thiol ester compositions can be used to produce polythiourethanes. The polythiourethanes can be used in fertilizers and fertilizer coatings.
US07713324B2
A filter composed of a filter medium (10) formed from a corrugated filter layer (11) and a flat filter sheet (12) which are interconnected by embossing points (15). This eliminates the need for an additional joining agent. Production of the filter is simplified because no additional materials are required to be supplied or cured.
US07713319B2
A fluid recycling system includes a separator for physically separating glycol from at least a portion of other substances mixed with the glycol to produce a first effluent stream having separated glycol and a second effluent stream having the other substances and residual glycol. A catalytic reactor receives the second effluent stream and chemically reacts the other substances and residual glycol to produce a hydrogen stream and a remainder stream.
US07713316B2
The invention relates to fuel oils comprising a larger proportion of middle distillates having a sulfur content of at most 350 ppm and an aromatics content of at most 22% by weight, and also a smaller proportion of at least one copolymer of ethylene and vinyl esters, said copolymer containing a) bivalent structural units derived from ethylene of the formula 1 —CH2—CH2— (1) b) from 5 to 12 mol % of bivalent structural units of the formula 2 where R1 is saturated, branched C5-C18-alkyl, and c) from 4 to 13 mol % of bivalent structural units of the formula 3 and the sum of the molar proportions of structural units of the formulae 2 and 3 being between 12 and 16 mol %, to the corresponding polymers, and also to their use for improving the cold flow behavior of middle distillates having a sulfur content of at most 350 ppm and an aromatics content of at most 22% by weight.
US07713309B2
The detection of devices with duplicate media access controller (MAC) addresses in a cable network. A cable network device (CND) having a MAC address is connected by the cable network to a cable modem termination system (CMTS) having a gateway interface address. A centralized storage of historical cable modem MAC address/giaddr tuple data is used to identify CNDs that report duplicate MAC addresses. The cable network tracks the CND MAC address/giaddr tuple data of all CND requests that it receives and stores the MAC address/giaddr tuple data into a datastore (such as a database). When a CND seeks to access the network, the cable network looks into the datastore to determine whether the CND MAC address of the CND has previously been stored with a different associated giaddr, which would imply that there are multiple CNDs attached to different CMTSs where the CNDs share the same MAC address. If such duplication is detected, an appropriate remedial response is taken.
US07713308B2
Ureteral stents having at least a portion of a proximal end of the ureteral stent constructed with a material that dissolves after being exposed to a bodily fluid for a period of time are disclosed herein. At least a portion of the proximal end portion of the elongate member includes a dissolving portion configured to dissolve in response to being exposed to a bodily fluid for a period of time. The elongate member also includes a non-dissolving portion that includes the entire retention member of the distal end portion and is substantially stable in the bodily fluid of the urinary tract of the patient. In some embodiments, a medial portion of the ureteral stent is also constructed with one or more dissolving materials. In some implementations, the proximal and/or the medial portions of the ureteral stent are constructed using various combinations of dissolving and non-dissolving materials.
US07713305B2
An implant for replacing a portion of an articular surface including a load bearing surface and a bone contacting region. The load bearing surface had a contour defined by a first curve string which is based on a contour of the articular surface being replaced in a first plane. The load bearing surface of the implant is further defined by the contour of the articular surface being replaced in a second plane, in which the first and second planes are mutually intersection planes.
US07713303B2
A method of augmenting an intervertebral disc by injecting particles of collagen-based material into the disc. The particles may be dehydrated before implantation, and rehydrated after implantation, or they may be implanted in a “wet” state—such as a slurry or gel. Radiocontrast materials may be included to enhance imaging of the injected material. Other additives may include analgesics, antibiotics, proteoglycans, growth factors, and/or other cells effective to promote healing and/or proper disc function.
US07713295B2
Disclosed is a hypertension descending device capable of curing a hypertension disease by stimulating a patient's Acupuncture point Renying (or referred to as “carotid sinus”) by repeated cold pressure vibration. The hypertension descending device is designed to allow common users to use it easily, and provides a good hypertension descent effect by stimulating the patient's carotid sinus (Acupuncture point Renying) portion while maintaining a uniform cooling temperature of the contact tip, which is in contact with the patient's carotid sinus (Acupuncture point Renying) portion.
US07713294B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus for Near Infrared Microbial Elimination Laser Systems (NIMELS) including use with medical devices are disclosed. The medical devices can be situated in vivo. Suitable medical devices include catheters, stents, artificial joints, and the like. NIMELS methods, systems, and apparatus can apply near infrared radiant energy of certain wavelengths and dosimetries capable of impairing biological contaminants without intolerable risks and/or adverse effects to biological moieties other than a targeted biological contaminant associated with traditional approaches described in the art (e.g., loss of viability, or thermolysis). Lasers including diode lasers may be used for one or more light sources. A delivery assembly can be used to deliver the optical radiation produced by the source(s) produced to an application region that can include patient tissue. Exemplary embodiments utilize light in a range of 850 nm-900 nm and/or 905 nm-945 nm at suitable NIMELS dosimetries.
US07713283B2
The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The method and apparatus provide a magazine fed tamping system for automatic tamping and/or cinching of the sealing plug when the apparatus is withdrawn from the puncture site. The automatic tamping and/or cinching is facilitated by transducing a motive force generated by the withdrawal of the apparatus into a tamping and/or cinching force.
US07713282B2
Disclosed is an adjustable occlusion device for use in a body lumen such as the left atrial appendage. The occlusion device is removably carried by a deployment catheter. The device may be enlarged or reduced to facilitate optimal placement or removal. Methods are also disclosed.
US07713280B2
A return spring arrangement for a lancet (6) is provided by a pair of undulating plastic webs (14) formed integrally with the lancet. The undulations of the two webs (14) are shown out of phase with one another. These webs (14) are flexible and thus are caused to concertina when the tips (15) of the webs hit the interior of a lancet holder on release of a drive spring. The energy stored within the collapsed webs (14) is then released to drive the lancet back within the lancet holder. This positive return of the lancet ensures that a needle (5) will retract safely into the lancet holder, after operation, and does not rely on the spring being locked into the lancet holder and onto the lancet.
US07713277B2
A medical instrument for engaging tissue includes a flexible shaft, a tissue piercing coil at a distal portion of the shaft, and a tissue stabilizer positioned over the shaft and biased in a distal direction such that as the tissue piercing coil enters tissue, the tissue stabilizer is urged against a surface of the tissue. A medical instrument for reconfiguring tissue includes a flexible shaft defining a lumen housing actuating controls, and a distal actuating assembly with a sealing portion configured to substantially seal the shaft lumen from contact with bodily fluids. A cartridge assembly includes first and second members configured for releasable attachment to a medical instrument, and a holder configured to receive the first and second members and to be released from the first and second members upon action of the first and second members attaching to the medical instrument.
US07713273B2
A curable material delivery cannula device is disclosed. The device includes a cannula and a hub. The cannula includes an open proximal end, a deflectable segment forming a pre-set curve, a lumen, and side orifice(s) adjacent, and proximally spaced from, the distal end and fluidly connected to the lumen. When inserted within a guide cannula, the deflectable segment straightens. When distally extended from the guide cannula, the deflectable segment reverts to the curved shape. The distal end has a blunt tip for non-traumatic interface with bodily material. During use, curable material, such as bone cement, is delivered from the side orifice(s) in a radial direction relative to the lumen.
US07713267B2
The invention relates to a method of regulating the power available at the manipulator of an electronic scalpel so as to make said manipulator adapted to be used to obtain blood clotting, said electronic scalpel being of the kind comprising: at least a mains voltage rectifying circuit supplying rectified and direct voltage to at least a radio frequency circuit adapted to emit as output a current carrier signal at a main frequency set by an oscillator, said current signal feeding said manipulator through a radio frequency transformer, wherein said method consists in applying to the manipulator a wave form resulting from the sum of the carrier wave and a modulating wave of such frequency that the energy transmitted to the tissue to be coagulated is such to raise the temperature of the tissue to be coagulated until denaturation of the fibrinogen contained therein is caused and transforming it into fibrin. The invention relates also to the electronic scalpel carrying out such a method
US07713265B2
Apparatus for medically treating a tattoo includes a scanned light beam unit having a light beam source assembly adapted to emit light pulses at different wavelengths, a scanner, light detector(s), and a controller operatively connected to the light beam source assembly and the scanner. The controller is adapted: to control the scanned light beam unit to illuminate a first light-pulse-sized region of the tattoo using the light beam source assembly at different wavelengths and at relatively low power; to use the light detector(s) to detect a least-reflecting wavelength of the illumination of the first light-pulse-sized region of the tattoo; and to control the scanned light beam unit to medically treat the first light-pulse-sized region of the tattoo using the light beam source assembly at a wavelength substantially equal to the least-reflecting wavelength and at relatively high power. A method is disclosed for medically treating a tattoo which uses the apparatus.
US07713251B2
The present invention provides an improved vascular access port comprising a port base with a metallic dish insert molded (or bonded) into the bottom of the reservoir. In one embodiment, a single reservoir is provided. In another embodiment, plural reservoirs are provided. The metallic bottom of the reservoir provides a hard surface that will resist abrasion and puncture by the access needles used to infuse medication or withdraw blood. Additionally, the single and dual ports can include exit ports that are intended to better anatomically fit into the subcutaneous areas around muscle tissue.
US07713248B2
A closed system, needleless valve device includes a generally tubular body defining an internal cavity. On the proximal end of the body there is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The distal end of the body has a generally tubular skirt. The valve also includes a hollow spike having a closed tip. The spike includes at least one longitudinal 18-gauge hole located distal the tip, and is seated inside the cavity such that the tip is below the proximal end of the body. An annular support cuff is connected to the spike which seals off a portion of the cavity of the body such that an upper cavity containing the tip is defined. The valve also includes a plastic, resilient silicone seal which fills the upper cavity and opening and covers the tip of the spike so as to present a flush surface. An adaptor enables the valve to be attached to a resealable container.
US07713236B2
The present invention relates to a system for increasing the temperature of a fluid being infused into a patient's body while the infusion is taking place. The present invention also provides for improved monitoring of air in the infusion system such to prevent the introduction of air into the patient's body receiving the fluid infusion. The present invention also provides for a system pump which provides a variable flow rate that serves a vast amount of infusion needs and purposes. A disposable cartridge in accordance with the present invention will allow for the efficient transfer of heat energy to the fluid being infused into the patient's body. The cartridge will further ensure that deleterious amounts of air will not be introduced into the patient's body.
US07713229B2
Devices, systems and methods are provided for drug delivery and the monitoring thereof. The systems include a drug delivery device, a holder for the drug delivery device when the device is not in use, a detector for detecting the presence of the drug delivery device within or close to the holder, and at least one algorithm for querying and prompting a user of the drug delivery device, wherein the at least one algorithm is activated upon removal of the drug delivery device from the holder.
US07713228B2
An irrigating technique that can be used to increase the flow of fluid through the trabecular meshwork. Pulses of relatively high pressure irrigating are directed at the trabecular meshwork. These pulses can be focused, thereby perforating the trabecular meshwork, or applied over a larger area so as to stimulate the trabecular meshwork for improved fluid transport. In addition, the pulses of the irrigating balance salt solution can be used to clean away material, such as iris pigment, that may be blocking or clogging the trabecular meshwork. Such a technique may be practiced using the herein disclosed tip with commercially available surgical handpieces.
US07713223B2
Hand and/or wrist support apparatus, comprising in combination, a first brace configured for application to the hand and/or wrist of the user, and a second brace configured for application over at least a portion of the first brace, each brace configured for in-place retention, providing support to a substantial portion of the hand and/or wrist of the user, including the thumb.
US07713221B1
A tightener for orthopedic use, includes a guide loop having opposite sections, a first orthopedic strap anchored to one section for passing about a user's arm, leg or like member, and then passage through the loop to extend in a first tightening direction, a second orthopedic strap anchored to another loop section to extend in a second and opposite tightening direction, whereby the two straps extending in the first and second directions can be manually pulled in those directions to tighten the first strap about the member, and two tensioned straps can then be connected by push together connection to tightened extents of the first strap to hold tension transmission via the loop sections and straps.
US07713215B2
A steerable guidewire assembly for intravascular and extravascular movement includes a flexible tube with a distal and proximal end and a lumen therebetween with the distal end being biased to assume a curved shape, a stylet wire disposed in the lumen that can be advanced beyond the distal end of the flexible tube to create an extravascular pathway by piercing tissue, a wire with a shape memory of a knot to replace the stylet wire and anchor the guidewire and/or the wire on the pathway, multiple flexible tubes of increasing diameter that distend the extravascular pathway when advanced over each other, radiopaque and radiodense materials to create distinguishable dark and bright images on fluoro-unit screens, and mechanisms for conveniently controlling movement from outside the body are disclosed.
US07713213B2
Systems and methods using constant false alarm rate techniques for event detection. One example of an event detection method includes collecting a first distribution of measurements for a first physiological parameter. In another example, the first distribution of measurements includes only non-event measurements. One or more values are determined corresponding to at least a first tail area of the first distribution from at least one measurement of the first physiological parameter toward an end point of the distribution. A threshold is established based on a specified false alarm rate. The one or more values are compared to the threshold. The method includes determining if the measurement is representative of a detected event using the comparison.
US07713212B2
The present invention provides a biofeedback system and method for the purpose of allowing a human subject to consciously synchronize one's rhythm of breathing with one's natural heart rhythm for purposes of maximizing coherence of one's heart rate variability pattern and consequent enhancement of physiological/psychological well being. It accomplishes this by facilitating a biofeedback signal that indicates to the human subject precisely when to inhale and exhale such that the breathing cycle will achieve a high degree of alignment with the natural heart rate cycle. It also specifies an instructive method for bringing a human subject to an adequately coherent heart rate variability pattern such that the preferred embodiment of the invention can be applied.
US07713204B2
An ultrasonic diagnostic system for reducing black holes and highlighting of turbulent mosaic patterns without degradation in spatial resolution in an ultrasonic color Doppler method. The system includes a unit configured to extract image data in a specified range with reference to a specified pixel of the image data to generate kernel data, a pixel-value arranging unit configured to modulate the values of the pixels in the kernel data, a pixel-value selecting unit configured to select a pixel value of a modulated pixel value in a specified array rank, a characteristic determination unit configured to determine the characteristic of the image from the pixel value of the first image data, and a second image-data generating unit configured to generate second image data based on the value of a specified pixel in the first image data, and the selected pixel value in the specified array rank, or the demodulated pixel value.
US07713194B2
Techniques for controlling one or more modular circuits (“satellites”) that are intended for placement in a subject's body. The one or more satellites are controlled by sending signals over a bus that includes first and second conduction paths. Also coupled to the bus in system embodiments is a device such as a pacemaker that provides power and includes control circuitry. Each satellite includes satellite circuitry and one or more effectors that interact with the tissue. The satellite circuitry is coupled to the bus, and thus interfaces the controller to the one or more effectors, which may function as actuators, sensors, or both. The effectors may be electrodes that are used to introduce analog electrical signals (e.g., one or more pacing pulses) into the tissue in the local areas where the electrodes are positioned (e.g., heart muscles) or to sense analog signals (e.g., a propagating depolarization signal) within the tissue.
US07713188B2
The surgical device is for supporting a mammalian organ in need of support, and in particular for treating urinary incontinence. The device has at least one first support element of elongate shape for exerting a supporting action on the organ; and at least one first traction filiform element, to be fastened to the support element. One end of the traction element constituting at least one first anchor system, activated by traction exerted on the first traction element thereby simplifying the surgical procedure.
US07713177B2
A treadmill includes an external frame, an internal frame connected to the external frame, a belt in the form of a loop supported on the internal frame and a buffering apparatus for buffering the internal frame. The buffering apparatus includes a crossbar and two buffer sets. The crossbar is rotationally provided on the external frame between various positions. Each of the buffer sets includes a plurality of buffering blocks made with different elastic coefficients so that a selected one of the buffering blocks is brought into contact with the internal frame when the crossbar is in a related one of the positions.
US07713167B2
An automatic transmissions control system varies times to start a shift to securing a good response in engagement pressure for an engagement-side frictional element as well as suppressing occurrence of hydraulic pressure vibrations at low temperatures. The control system has an engagement pressure at-low-temperature regulation section that selectively controls at least one of the first and second engagement-pressure regulator valves, when the oil temperature is detected to be lower than a predetermined oil temperature and the shift condition is determined to exist requiring a shift operation such that the first engagement-pressure regulator valve provides a maximum hydraulic pressure to engage the first frictional element to start a shift with the maximum hydraulic pressure being continuously provided until the shift ends, and/or the second engagement-pressure regulator valve provides a minimum hydraulic pressure to obtain complete disengagement of the second frictional element to start a downshift as the shift operation.
US07713156B2
In a chain transmission having a sprocket with an elastic ring sandwiched between a central hub and an annular toothed outer member, the tooth form is such that the root diameter, that is, the diameter of the tooth gap bottom circle, is greater than the root diameter in a sprocket having a standard ISO tooth form.
US07713154B2
A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for use in applications where a transmission is desired to change the speed of the motor relative to the speed of the final drive. The CVT has a set of chains or belts that are mounted around a set of pins set in radially cut slots of a set of spindles so that the pattern of pins are able to expand and contract radially around the CVT axis via these slots. Sprockets that freely spin in either direction unless a chain or belt has fully seated on at least one tooth are arranged on the pins so that only one sprocket engages one chain or belt allowing for smooth ratio changes while the load in engaged. The spindles share a set of springs that act to return the transmission to a higher ratio at moments the load is overcome.
US07713153B2
An IVT machine includes an input shaft, a drive wheel on the input shaft, an output shaft, a ratio changing device which is mounted on the output shaft, an endless belt which passes over the drive wheel and in an open loop on the ratio changing device, control elements for enlarging and reducing the belt loop dimension about the output shaft axis, belt guide elements providing a throat through which the belt enters and leaves its loop on the ratio changing device, and a drive arrangement on the ratio changing device for the transmission of drive power to the output shaft and is engaged with the belt in a portion of its loop on the device and engageable with the belt on both sides of the throat in its transition across the throat during rotation of the ratio changing device.
US07713150B2
The present invention provides a method for a batter to position a ball for hitting and therefore provides a method for playing the game of baseball without a pitcher. The ball is slidingly engaged with the baseball bat such that the baseball bat hitting end is inserted through a bore through the ball, the ball can be tossed into the air in front of the batter with a flipping motion of the bat, and the batter can strike the ball with a batting motion to deliver the ball into the field of play.
US07713144B2
Disclosed herein is a multi-layer golf ball having a soft outer cover. The golf ball has an inner cover layer with a Shore D hardness of 60 or more, and an outer cover with a Shore D hardness of 55 or less, and more preferably 50 or less. In a particularly preferred form of the invention, the outer cover comprises one or more polyurethane materials. The golf ball of the invention has exceptionally soft feel and high spin rates on short shots of 80 yards or less and, particularly, 40 yards or less, while maintaining good distance and average spin on full shots.
US07713133B2
New clay-like athletic surface compositions that utilize different types of glass cullet, such as container, ceramic, or plate glass, are provided. Preferably, recycled container-glass cullet between 1.4 millimeters and 20 microns in size is used to provide a slow playing, resilient surface good for a variety of athletic purposes, such as tennis, track and field, and bocce.
US07713132B2
A propeller shaft with a dynamic damper and a tubular wound paper damper in an inner portion of the propeller shaft. The dynamic damper provided with a ring member at an outer side in a diametrical direction and a weight member elastically retained in an inner side in the diametrical direction of the ring member. The paper damper has an outer paper portion positioned in the outer side in the diametrical direction and an inner paper portion positioned in the inner side in the diametrical direction. The outer paper portion extending to the dynamic damper farther than said inner paper portion, contacting the ring member, thus inhibiting the inner paper portion from coming into contact with the weight member.
US07713131B2
A sleeve assembly includes a sleeve having an inner surface with a first splined portion, and a biasing system biasing a rolling member through the first splined portion. A drive assembly includes the sleeve assembly and a shaft with a second splined portion engageable with the first splined portion of the shaft. When the sleeve assembly is coupled with the shaft to form the drive assembly, the biasing system biases the rolling member into engagement with the second splined portion of the shaft.
US07713127B1
The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to simulating dialog in electronic games. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes: receiving a player interruption signal during presentation of a speech by a machine-controlled character in an electronic game, modifying a state of the machine-controlled character based on a time of the received player interruption relative to a length of the speech, and generating an action of the machine-controlled character based on the modified state. Modifying the state of the machine-controlled character can include adjusting an attitude variable of the machine-controlled character based on the time of the received player interruption, selecting a location in a dialog tree for the machine-controlled character based on the time of the received player interruption, or both.
US07713126B2
In a video game device which performs a video game wherein a game character or unit moves through a plurality of paths including a plurality of branch points according to an instruction of a player, a first movement control unit displays branch-direction indications enabling the player to select one of a plurality of first branch directions at a branch point on a path in the video game, so that a selected one of the plurality of first branch directions is received from the player. A second movement control unit displays preceding-branch-direction indications enabling the player to select, in advance, one of a plurality of second branch directions at a branch point on a following path in the selected first branch direction, so that a selected one of the plurality of second branch directions is received from the player.
US07713125B2
A system for wagering on a jackpot race event, comprises a memory and a processor. The memory stores a qualifying bet associated with a customer and comprising a first bet component and a second bet component. The first bet component is associated with a first qualifying race event and comprises a first bet amount. The second bet component is associated with a second qualifying race event and comprises a second bet amount. The processor identifies the outcome of the first and second bet components. If both the first bet component and the second bet components are winning bets, the processor allocates to the customer a particular number of jackpot bets for a jackpot race event. The particular number of jackpot bets is based at least in part upon the first bet amount and the second bet amount. The first bet amount is allocated to a common pari-mutuel pool for the first qualifying race event.
US07713120B2
A gaming method, apparatus and system for playing a game of chance is disclosed in which a plurality of gaming machines may be linked together for mutually competitive play. According to one embodiment, two or more gaming machines are linked to a centrally located display exhibiting a game board comprising one or more groups of earmarkable cells in one or more groups. Players on the gaming machines wager and attempt to achieve winning outcomes which earmark cells in the group with designators of their respective gaming machines. When a predetermined number or configuration of cells of a group are earmarked, an award may be distributed to those gaming machines having earmarked cells according to the number of designators within that group associated with each gaming machine. The game of chance may be configured for play on an individual gaming machine.
US07713119B2
The present invention is directed to a gaming machine and a method of playing a wagering game having a basic set of rules for playing a wagering game. Under the basic set of rules, a player can accumulate and save assets that are associated with the wagering game. In addition to the basic set of rules, the wagering game includes modifiers to the basic set of rules that modify the assets, enhance the assets or provide new assets. These modifiers may, for example, multiply an award associated with an asset or group of assets, provide additional rolls of the dice, provide a bonus award, provide additional player selections, allow the player to continue game play after a game-terminating event has occurred, allow the player to use assets at a later gaming session, or allow a player to access new assets at a different gaming machine. The assets and modifiers can be shared by players at different gaming machines to influence the outcome of the wagering games and can be saved for use in subsequent gaming sessions.
US07713115B2
The process and device for controlling at least one operating condition parameter (54) of working parts (45) of a combine harvester (1) has at least one sensing device (36, 40) for monitoring a crop tailings stream (31) and for generating a grain tailings signal (X) and a tailings flow rate signal (Y) for control of the operating condition parameters (54), such as blower speed, upper sieve mesh, lower sieve mesh, so that changes in the crop harvesting conditions can be reacted to rapidly and efficiently. The device includes an evaluating and display unit (39), which includes a controller (53) for automatically controlling operating condition parameters or for displaying control information produced by control algorithms (56 to 58), so that the operating condition parameters can be optimized according to the grain tailings signal (X) and tailings flow rate signal (Y).
US07713106B2
A device grinding method comprising the steps of holding the undersurface of a protective member which supports a plurality of devices by affixing their front surfaces onto the top surface of the protective member, on the chuck table of a grinding machine and grinding the rear surfaces of the plurality of devices held on the chuck table through the protective member by a grinding means while the chuck table is rotated, to form the thicknesses of the plurality of the devices to have a predetermined value, wherein the metering portion of a non-contact thickness metering equipment is brought to a position right above the rotating rotation locus of a predetermined device out of the plurality of devices supported on the chuck table through the protective member, the rear surfaces of the plurality of devices are ground by the grinding means while the thickness of the rotating predetermined device is measured with the non-contact thickness metering equipment, and the grinding by the grinding means is terminated when the thickness of the device measured with the non-contact thickness metering equipment reaches a predetermined value.
US07713102B2
A power train configuration for an amphibious vehicle especially well suited for sit-astride applications. A prime mover drives a marine propulsion unit and/or at least one road wheel wherein the such road wheel is driven through a speed-change transmission. The speed-transmission is positioned above or below the axis of the prime mover's output shaft and preferably such that its input and output shafts are aligned at an angle of up to 90 degrees relative to the vehicle's longitudinal and lateral axes and/or the axis of the prime mover's output shaft.
US07713099B2
An electrical connector element including a first section and a second section. The first section has a general hook shape with a first conductor contact surface on an inward facing surface of the general hook shape. The second section is integrally formed with the first section. The second section has a first side forming a second conductor contact surface and an opposite second side. The second side faces the first conductor contact surface. The second side is sized and shaped to slidably interlock directly with another electrical connector element. The second side has at least one wedging surface.
US07713098B2
An electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector and a tool. The electrical connector includes a contact having a compliant jog section disposed between first and second ends of the contact. The tool is required to press-fit the connector to an electrical device without deforming the compliant jog section of the contact.
US07713085B2
The present invention provides a connector interface comprising a connector socket interface and a connector plug interface, the connector socket interface comprising metal shell, insulator, band-shaped recess provided on said insulator and metal contacts and the connector plug interface comprising metal shell, insulator, and band-shaped protrusion provided on said insulator and metal contacts, said connector socket interface and said connector plug interface being able to be coupled together, wherein: said connector socket interface has a plurality of band-shaped recesses and said connector plug interface has a plurality of band-shaped protrusions. In a connector interface with the same number of metal pieces according to an embodiment of the present invention, the footprint of the coupling part is reduced, the footprint per pair of contacts is reduced, and the objective of increasing the pin density of the contacts in a connector is achieved.
US07713079B2
A card edge connector includes an insulating body having opposite lateral side frames for mounting respectively two metallic pieces thereon, and terminals mounted in the insulating body and coupled to a circuit board. When an insertion side with conductive terminals of an electronic card is inserted into an insertion groove in the insulating body, the conductive terminals contact respectively contact portions of the terminals extending into the insertion groove. Each metallic piece includes first and second resilient arms extending from a base, and a carved metallic piece extending from the first resilient arm. When the insertion side of the electronic card is inserted into the insertion groove, each lateral side of the electronic card is clamped between the anchoring member and the second resilient arm of a corresponding metallic piece, and is formed with a notch engaging a projection of the second resilient arm of the corresponding metallic piece.
US07713072B2
The present invention relates to an adapter device for connection of a low voltage switching device to a distribution bus bar system. The adapter device comprises a body provided with a front wall, which can be connected to the switching device, and a back wall, opposite the front wall. The device comprises first electrical terminals susceptible to electrically contact one of the distribution bus bars and second electrical terminals. The device also comprises first electrical connections electrically connected to first electrical terminals and which can be coupled with corresponding third electrical connections of the switching device. The adapter device is also provided with second electrical connection means connected to corresponding second electrical terminals and which can be coupled with corresponding fourth electrical connections of the switching device. The adapter device also comprises a plurality of coupling terminals, at least partly emerging from the back wall of the body, to removably connect the adapter device to the distribution bus bar system. In particular, each of the first electrical terminals electrically contacts one of the distribution bars following the action of one of said coupling terminals.
US07713070B2
A circuit structure 10 includes a circuit board 11 for mounting switching devices 13 and bus bars 12 wired into the circuit along the circuit board 11, and the case 20 includes a frame 21 that is disposed and secured in position around a perimeter edge of the circuit board 11 and a cover 24 that is assembled to the frame 21 so as to cover the circuit board 11. The frame 21 contains a second connector housing, and the second connector housing includes an hood 26a for accommodating the second terminals 15 formed at the ends of the bus bars 12. A deformation restricting portion 32 formed on the cover 24 is configured to abut the upper wall portion 26c (the outer face) of the hood 26a, thereby deformation of the hood 26a is restricted.
US07713066B2
A device may include a card including a card connector and/or a card edge lockshield disposed on at least a card connector first side. Additionally, a computer system may include a motherboard including at least one mating connector and/or at Least one card including a card connector and a card edge lockshield disposed on at least a card connector first side. Further, a method for providing the device and/or computer system is disclosed.
US07713065B2
An aspect of the present invention relates to an online test platform adapted to facilitate the development, delivery, and management of educational tests with interactive participation by students, teachers, proctors, and administrators even when some or all of them are remotely located. The platform may include administrator interfaces, test proctor interfaces, and test taker (e.g. student) interfaces to allow each participant to view, navigate, and interact with aspects of the online test platform that are intended to meet their needs.
US07713063B2
A dental training aid and method which assists a student in learning how to determine the position of a root canal apex, repair of dental decay, and how to perform crown and bridge procedures. In certain embodiments, modular inserts are utilized that include structure thereon for performing root canal procedures, repair of dental decay procedures, crown and bridge procedures or other procedures. The inserts can be assembled and configured to all provide practice on the same procedure or on different procedures and can be exchanged for other inserts once they are no longer reusable or because the user wants to train on a different procedure.
US07713061B1
An improved golf club swing training system is provided for assisting golfers to improve their golf swing. The golf swing training system includes a golf club including a traditional shaft, head and head face. Moreover, the training system includes a light source for producing a plane of light. Preferably, the light source uses a laser for producing the plane of light which forms a light line when striking the ground or other flat surface. In addition, the swing training system includes a practice mat. The practice mat includes a plurality of substantially straight mat lines which are positioned and aligned to identify proper golf swing position at various points through a golfer's swing. The golf swing training system includes the golfer repetitively practicing his golf swing so that the light source produces a light line which aligns with the mat lines so as to reinforce proper golf swing position.
US07713058B2
An intraoral camera system is disclosed, which includes a dental mirror having a aperture for transmitting light therethrough, the aperture being provided in the center or any other part of the mirror by removing a reflective material therefrom. A CCD camera is secured on a back surface of the dental mirror in such a manner that the aperture coincides with its incident portion coincides with aperture in the dental mirror. A hand mirror shaped monitor is also provided for displaying image data received from the CCD camera via cable or radio, and a server is also provided that is capable of storing and outputting the image data any time onto the monitor, wherein even though a patient is laid down on a chair in a horizontal position, the patient or a third party can utilize the hand mirror shaped monitor to view an image which is very close to the image that a dentist views through reflection from the dental mirror having said CCD camera built therein.
US07713047B2
In certain aspects of the invention, an extrusion apparatus for making a multilayer article includes multiple discs, each of which has at least one passageway configured to permit fluid flow therethrough in a flow direction. At least one of the discs includes a cone shaped portion extending substantially parallel to the flow direction.
US07713033B2
The present invention provides a fluid control system and associated methods. The fluid control system includes a source of a pressurized fluid and a first spool valve having at least two positions, wherein the first spool valve is connected in fluid communication with the source of the pressurized fluid. The fluid control system further includes a second spool valve having at least two positions, wherein the second spool valve is connected in fluid communication with the first spool valve and the source of the pressurized fluid. When the first spool valve is in a first position and the second spool valve is in a second position, a first portion of the pressurized fluid is directed from the source of the pressurized fluid to the second spool valve via the first spool valve.
US07713021B2
A fan containment casing includes a core comprising a number of tows. The core has a central region and two end regions. The tows are grouped into a number of bands and form a number of filament-wound radially disposed layers. The bands of tows are interleaved as a number of direct bands and indirect bands along at least a portion of one or more of the layers. A method of forming a fan containment casing includes winding a number of tows on a liner to form a number of radially disposed layers, where each of the layers is continuously connected to at least one adjacent one of the layers across one of the end regions via at least one of the tows.
US07713011B2
This invention provides a fastener (20) that is adapted to be mounted in a hole provided in a wall (not shown). The improved fastener comprises: an elongated tubular body (21) having a first end (23) and a second end (24), having an outwardly-extending flange (25) adjacent the first end, having an intermediate portion (27), and having a distal marginal end portion (37) adjacent the second end, the body also having an abutment surface (32) facing toward the second end; and a member (22) adapted to be inserted into the body through the second end, the member having an abutment surface (40) adapted to bear against the body abutment surface, and having an outer polygonal surface (41); and wherein the body marginal end portion (37) is adapted to be plastically deformed about the member to hold the member within the body.
US07713006B2
A replaceable saw tooth for a rotary cutting machine. The saw tooth comprises more than two cutting edges on each of two opposed faces thereof. More specifically, the saw tooth may comprise a body having two cutting faces disposed opposite each other and spaced apart by at least four side faces which are each parallel to an opposite one of the side faces. The side faces are parallel to a central axis extending between the two cutting faces. Four cutting edges are defined between the side faces and each of the two cutting faces.
US07713005B2
The invention relates to a milling head for milling chamfers, especially for a mobile chamfer miller, comprising successive seats for blanking dies, said seats having a position in which the blanking dies with a leading edge angle of between 40 and 75° operate respectively on average with a positive effective cutting angle of at least 6° and a clearance angle of at least 6°, and are provided for a border comprising blanking dies with a staggered arrangement of the cutting edges, such that respectively only one cutting edge length of 15 mm, preferably 12 mm, at the most, is active. Said measures increase the cutting performance of the milling head. The reduced cutting edge length can be formed on a long blanking die instead of using a shorter blanking die, in such a way that the cutting edge is interrupted by cavities or other e.g. flat triangular recesses on the surface of the blanking die. The staggered arrangement is then comparatively small.
US07712997B2
A plastics infiltration block for infiltration or attenuation purposes is disclosed. The infiltration block has an essentially rectangular parallelepipedal body having pairs of opposed first, second and third faces. At least one inspection channel extends through the infiltration block and inspection channel openings are positioned in opposed third faces of the infiltration block. The area of each inspection channel opening is at least 10% of the size of the area of the third face. The infiltration block can include a single infiltration block element or multiple coupled infiltration block elements. The infiltration block element has an essentially rectangular parallelepipedal body. A grid of duct walls forming substantially parallel ducts extend between each first face and the one or more inspection channels of the infiltration block, and between each second face and the inspection channels of the infiltration block.
US07712995B2
A method for controllably releasing venting gases from a manhole space around the perimeter of a manhole cover by allowing the manhole cover to rise up in stages upon development of upward forces in an explosion to vent gases developed by the explosion while being restrained from being completely blown free except under extreme conditions. A lock body mounts a latch slide which has an outer end and which can be extended to prevent removal of the manhole cover. When a shear pin fails the lock body pivots down, to a limited extent, and a secondary shear pin can also be included allowing the cover to be blown completely free upon development of pressures of a great magnitude. A slotted skirt is used to direct venting gas flow so as to retard the inflow of free air and attenuate the explosion.
US07712992B2
A mounting part (second member) 12 has a positioning hole 26 to be fitted to an outer peripheral side of a boss 18 disposed on a vehicle interior part (first member) 10, to be positioned thereto. A facing surface 24 of the mounting part 12 is formed into a flat surface. By a slidable-contact of the flat facing surface 24 with a tip end of the boss 18 for a positional alignment, the positioning hole 26 can be fitted readily to the boss 18. A tubular portion 28 is disposed on a surface at a side opposite to the facing surface 24 to be fitted to the boss 18 substantially over its entire length thereof. Such fitting maintains the aligned state, so that a fastening work during fixing of the mounting part 12 by screwing a mounting screw 30 into a cylindrical hole 16 of the boss 18 is facilitated.
US07712984B2
A printing device comprising a casing having a first part housing a first printing mechanism which comprises a printhead and a platen located at a print zone, and a holder for holding a roll of precut label stock in a position to pass through the print zone, and a second part housing a second printing mechanism which comprises a printhead and a platen located at a print zone and means for receiving a cassette housing image receiving tape in a position to pass through the print zone.
US07712974B2
An optical connector and a method of assembling an optical connector that is capable of avoiding generation of unnecessary tension in the optical fiber cable in which plain fiber portions are optically connected to each other using a splice assembly. The optical connector comprises a connector housing having splice means configured to abut a stripped and cleaved end surface of a plain fiber of an optical fiber cable (2) onto an end of a fiber stub predisposed in the splice means to form an optical connection; and a cable fixing assembly (26, 40), that includes a cable fixing member (26) and a cable holder (40), for fixing an outer covering (2c) of the optical fiber cable (2) introduced into said connector housing (10). The cable fixing member (26), which includes an opposing piece (26b) for slidably engaging with a guide section (24) formed on the wall of an end cap (21) of the connector housing (10), is pressed in from the direction perpendicular to the axis of the optical fiber cable (2) and is mounted on the wall of the end cap (21). A step section is formed on the sliding surface of the opposing piece (26b) to be in sliding contact with the sliding surface of the guide section (24), for moving the cable fixing member (26) together with the optical fiber cable (2) so as to reduce a distance between the splice means (3) and the cable holder (40).
US07712961B2
A method of improving the volume reconstruction in navigationally guided operations is provided. In certain implementations, a phantom which contains X-ray positive marks and marks detectable by a position detection system in a fixed spatial relation to each other is positioned in the region of the volume being investigated on the subject. For the volume reconstruction, a series of 2D X-ray projection images can be created, each of them containing, alongside the structures of the subject being examined, the images of the X-ray positive marks of the phantom as image information. Each 2D data set is transformed by a familiar method, in which, for example, the mechanical deviations of a real-world C-arm type X-ray diagnostic machine are identified by a kinematic model and are corrected. The transformed 2D data can be used for the volume reconstruction, and the volume model with the position information of the X-ray positive marks is relayed to a navigation system.
US07712960B2
Enhanced methods and a device enabling a plurality of tools for implementing a plurality of procedures for the accurate alignment and calibration of multiple components of the experimental set up at a synchrotron beam line are provided. The device includes an alignment pin or needle for centering a sample rotation axis. The device includes a YAG crystal for visualization of the beam and beam alignment and a metal foil for transmission or fluorescence measurements used for the monochromator calibration. The same, or different foils, or powders, or polymers, can be used for obtaining powder rings for finding the direct beam coordinates, for centering the beamstop on the direct beam and for calibration of the sample-to-detector distance.
US07712959B2
A radiation detecting cassette is disposed in a desired position between a bed and a patient in an operating room. After a detector-side connector and a bed-side connector are connected to each other by a cable, an image capturing apparatus captures and records radiation image information of the patient in a radiation detector. The recorded radiation image information is transmitted from a transceiver of the bed to a console by way of wireless communications, then processed by the console, and transmitted to a display device, which displays a radiation image based on the supplied radiation image information.
US07712958B2
The invention relates to a measuring device, in particular a temperature measuring transducer, comprising an electrical resistor, which alters its value based on a chemical or physical variable that is to be measured and which is connected to an evaluation device via at least three lines. Said evaluation device checks the lines for line breaks and if such a break has occurred, switches from a four-wire circuit to a three- or two-wire circuit as required, in order to permit the continuation of the measuring operation. This improves the reliability of the measuring device.
US07712955B2
There is provided a method and apparatus to monitor hardness using laser infrared photothermal radiometry. The emphasis is on the ability of this invention to monitor in a non-contact and non-destructive manner the hardness case depth of industrially heat treated steels. The present invention provides a method and apparatus comprising signal generation and analysis as well as instrumental hardware configurations based on the physical principle of photothermal radiometry. The method comprises (a) irradiating the sample surface with an excitation source of suitable emission wavelength and intensity. (b) producing periodic frequency pulses of the laser beam by means of a modulator in the appropriate frequency range (but not confined to) 0.1-100000 Hz. (c) passing the emitted beam through appropriate optics for beam conditioning (d) splitting the incident beam in two beams using a beam-splitter (e) focusing one of the beams onto a photodiode connected to a lock-in amplifier referenced to the modulator frequency to monitor laser power fluctuations (f) directing the second beam normal or at an angle to the surface of the sample (g) directing the generated infrared emissions from the sample surface to an infrared detector connected to another lock-in amplifier also referenced to the modulator frequency (h) recording the signals obtained from both lock-in amplifiers by a computer (i) processing the obtained signals through proprietary software and pre-calibration curves.
US07712953B2
Clutch device for timepiece, comprising first and second coaxial rotary mobile parts (1, 2) able to take up a relative axial coupled position in which a rotation of the first mobile part (1) gives rise to a rotation of the second mobile part (2), and a relative axial uncoupled position in which a rotation of the first mobile part (1) does not give rise to a rotation of the second mobile part (2), characterised in that is also comprises a friction element of viscoelastic material (30) intercalated between the mobile parts (1, 2) in order to transmit the rotation of the first mobile part (1) in the coupled position to the second mobile part (2).
US07712946B2
The present invention is broadly directed towards a receiving container for an LCD apparatus for securing a lamp and lamp wiring connected to a lamp. The receiving container has features for substantially preventing the lamp wiring from being disconnected from the lamp. For example, a first through-hole for receiving the lamp wiring, a first trench, securing members, and securing projections are utilized to substantially prevent lamp wiring from being disconnected from a lamp. Additionally, the LCD apparatus is easily handled, dissipates heat effectively, and has a light weight.
US07712945B2
An exemplary prism sheet includes a transparent main body. The main body includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is opposite to the second surface. A plurality of elongated V-shaped protrusions are formed on the first surface. A plurality of micro-depressions are defined in the second surface. Each micro-depression is defined by at least three connecting inner sidewalls. A transverse width of each inner sidewall of each micro-depression progressively decreases with increasing distance from the second surface. A backlight module using the present prism sheet is also provided.
US07712944B2
An optical substrate possesses a structured surface that enhances luminance or brightness and reduces chatter phenomenon. A structured surface is provided, in which some of the valleys (low valleys) are coplanar to the surface of the underlying support layer and other valleys (high valleys) are not coplanar on the support layer. The low valleys have bottom thickness that is substantially smaller than that of the high valleys. The distance from the valleys to the support layer remains substantially similar for a first number of adjacent valleys, but is substantially zero for a second number of adjacent valleys after every n-th adjacent valleys.
US07712935B2
A lamp unit is provided. The lamp unit includes a light emitting element disposed on an optical axis so as to face in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis, a first reflector facing the light emitting element to forwardly reflect light from the light emitting element, and a direct light control member disposed in front of the light emitting element for controlling direct light directed toward a region in front of the first reflector from the light emitting element without being incident on the first reflector. The direct light control member includes a first lens portion which deflects a first portion of the direct light in a direction approaching the optical axis, and an extended portion extending from the first lens portion. The extended portion controls a second portion of the direct light differently from the first lens portion.
US07712926B2
The invention provides a general illumination luminaire comprising one or more adjustable light modules. In particular, the luminaire generally comprises one or more light modules, each one of which comprising one or more light-emitting elements, and optionally comprising a heat sink in thermal contact therewith and output optics for managing light output from the one or more light emitting elements. In general, the light modules are adjustably coupled to the luminaire via a coupling structure that provides one or more adjustment mechanisms for adjusting the orientation of the light modules for adjusting an output directionality of the luminaire, while substantially maintaining the spatial profile of the luminaire.
US07712923B2
An LED lamp assembly includes an LED lamp and a driving circuit module mounted on the LED lamp. The LED lamp includes an airproof chamber. A plurality of LED modules is received in the airproof chamber. A gasbag is located at the driving circuit module and communicates with the airproof chamber of the LED lamp. The gasbag receives air from the airproof chamber when the LED modules are activated to lighten and heat the airproof chamber.
US07712922B2
An illumination unit comprising an LED light source is disclosed, which has a first optical element disposed downstream of the LED light source in an emission direction, an electronic control unit, and a second optical element disposed downstream of the first optical element. The LED light source, the first optical element and the electronic control unit are arranged in a common housing, and the housing is covered by the second optical element.
US07712921B2
A light source unit comprising an arc tube 11 having a light emitting section 111 sealed sections 1121, 1122, an oval reflector 12, and a secondary reflecting mirror 13 for covering the front side of the arc tube 11 and reflecting a luminous flux radiated from the arc tube 11 toward the oval reflector 12, the center of discharging emission from the arc tube 11 is disposed at a first focal position L1 of the oval reflector 12, and the secondary reflecting mirror 13 is configured as a separate member from the arc tube 11, so that the outer peripheral portion of the secondary reflecting mirror 13 is accommodated within a circular cone shown by boundaries L3, L4 connecting a second focal position L2 of the oval reflector 12 and the distal end of the sealed section 1122 of the arc tube 11 when being mounted to the front sealed section 1122 of the arc tube 11.
US07712920B1
A light color adjustment structure for illuminated keyboards to resolve the shortcomings of conventional illuminated keyboards that generate mono light and unalterable includes a light source module located in an illuminated keyboard and a brightness control module located in the illuminated keyboard and electrically connected to the light source module. The light source module has at least a first light source and a second light source of different light colors that are mixed to generate a light color for the illuminated keyboard. The brightness control module generates a brightness control signal sent to the light source module to control the brightness of the light source module. Thus through brightness alterations and mixing of the first and second light sources varying light colors can be generated.
US07712901B2
A method and apparatus for imaging an eye of a patient and detecting any condition or disease in the eye. A near infrared light beam is emitted into the eye through the skin adjacent to the eye. A digital image is acquired from the light reflected from the eye. The image shows details that are not perceivable using current examination techniques. Images are acquired using more than one infrared wavelength using a multispectral illumination device for a more thorough analysis.
US07712899B2
An apparatus for imaging an eye can include a pair of Scheimpflug imaging systems. Each Scheimpflug imaging system can have respective video cameras and optics configured to direct light reflected from an eye into the video cameras. The apparatus can also have a movable platform configured to move the pair of Scheimpflug imaging systems in accordance with eye movement detected by an eye tracking imaging system. In some embodiments, the Scheimpflug imaging systems can rotate 90 degrees about an optical axis of an eye being examined.
US07712892B2
An inkjet recording apparatus provides an improved printing speed and improved convenience of use. A recording head discharges droplets of a recording liquid onto a paper so as to form an image on the paper. A belt conveyance mechanism has a belt onto which the paper is electrostatically attached. The paper attached onto the belt is conveyed in a direction perpendicular to a carding direction of the paper.
US07712890B2
The image forming apparatus includes: an intermediate transfer body; a first liquid application device which applies a first liquid containing an aggregating agent on the intermediate transfer body; a second liquid application device which applies a second liquid containing a solvent-insoluble material on the intermediate transfer body, the solvent-insoluble material being induced to form an aggregate by the aggregating agent to form an image on the intermediate transfer body; and a transfer device which transfers the image formed on the intermediate transfer body to a recording medium, wherein conditions of γt>γ2>γ1 and γg>γ2>γ1 are satisfied, where γt is a surface energy of the intermediate transfer body, γ1 is a surface energy of the first liquid, γ2 is a surface energy of the second liquid, and γg is a surface energy of the aggregate of the solvent-insoluble material.
US07712884B2
An inkjet printhead with an array of nozzles and corresponding actuators for ejecting ink through the nozzles, the nozzles being arranged in rows such that the nozzle centres are collinear; wherein, the nozzle pitch along each row is greater than 1000 nozzles per inch. By configuring the components of the unit cell (the repeating chamber, nozzle and actuator unit) such that the overall width of the unit is reduced, the same number of nozzles can be arranged into a single row instead of two staggered and opposing rows without sacrificing any print resolution (d.p.i.). One row of drive circuitry simplifies the CMOS. fabrication and connection to a print engine controller for receiving print data. Alternatively, the unit cell configuration used in the present invention can be arranged into opposing rows that are staggered with respect to each other to effectively double the print resolution—in the case of the preferred embodiment, to 3200 d.p.i.
US07712876B2
An inkjet printhead that has an array of nozzles arranged in adjacent rows, each nozzle having an ejection aperture and a corresponding actuator for ejecting printing fluid through the ejection aperture, each actuator having electrodes spaced from each other in a direction transverse to the rows. It also has drive circuitry for transmitting electrical power to the electrodes. The electrodes of the actuators in adjacent rows have opposing polarities such that the actuators in adjacent rows have opposing current flow directions. By reversing the polarity of the electrodes in adjacent rows, the punctuations in the power plane of the CMOS can be kept to the outside edges of the adjacent rows. This moves one line of narrow resistive bridges between the punctuations to a position where the electrical current does not flow through them. This eliminates their resistance from the actuators drive circuit. By reducing the resistive losses for actuators remote from the power supply side of the printhead IC, the drop ejection characteristics are consistent across the entire array of nozzles.
US07712873B2
An inkjet head includes a flow path unit, an actuator unit, a flat flexile cable, a cover member and plural filters. The actuator unit is joined to an inflow-port face of the flow path unit. The reservoir unit supplies ink in an ink reservoir thereof into the flow path unit through the filters against which a region of the reservoir unit at least partially abuts. A side face of the reservoir unit defines a recess reaching the region of the reservoir unit between adjacent two filters. A sealant is applied to a gap between side faces of the two adjacent filters on the inflow-port face of the flow path unit and applied to the recess.
US07712872B2
An inkjet nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer includes a wafer substrate. A layer of drive circuitry is deposited on the wafer substrate, and subsequent etchant layers are deposited on the drive circuitry to define a nozzle chamber with walls and a roof structure defining an ink ejection port. The arrangement also includes a stacked capacitive actuator arranged in said chamber, said actuator having alternative electrode plates sandwiched between a compressible polymer, wherein activation of the stacked actuator draws the electrode plates together to compress the polymer storing energy therein, with subsequent de-activation releasing said energy to eject ink from the ejection port.
US07712866B2
The present invention relates to a method for assembling a modular printhead assembly. The printhead assembly includes a flexible elongate ink-delivery member and a plurality of modules for being received in fluid communication with the ink-delivery member. The ink delivery member and the modules are received in a metal channel. The method includes the step of flexing the metal channel apart at a plurality of locations there-along to enable receipt of respective printhead modules.
US07712859B2
An inkjet printhead for use in a printer so that it can print onto a substrate at different print resolutions. The inkjet printhead has an array of nozzles, each nozzle having an ejection aperture and a corresponding actuator for ejecting printing fluid through the ejection aperture. A print engine controller sends print data to the array of nozzles in accordance with a designated print job. During use, the print engine controller can selectively reduce the print resolution by apportioning print data for a single nozzle between at least two nozzles of the array. The invention recognizes that some print jobs do not require the printhead's best resolution—a lower resolution is completely adequate for the purposes of the document being printed. This is particularly true if the printhead is capable of very high resolutions, say greater than 1200 dpi. By selecting a lower resolution, the print engine controller (PEC) can treat two or more transversely adjacent (but not necessarily contiguous) nozzles as a single virtual nozzle in a printhead with less nozzles. The print data is then shared between the adjacent nozzles—dots required from the virtual nozzle are printed by each the actual nozzles in turn. This serves to extend the operational life of all the nozzles.
US07712849B2
A scrapbook workstation includes a base workstation member including a first plurality of adjustable shelves, at least one bi-fold door rotatably coupled to the base workstation, and a collapsible table rotatably coupled to the base workstation member, wherein the at least one bi-fold door further comprises a second plurality of adjustable shelves formed in a first panel and a coupling board formed on a second panel.
US07712841B2
A hub-bearing assembly for the wheel of a motor vehicle includes a rotatable hub (18) having a radial flange (17) with bores (16) formed therethrough. Wheel fastening studs (10) each have a stem (12) inserted non-forcedly through a respective bore (16). The studs (10) are fixed to the flange (17) by an adhesive or cementing material.
US07712834B2
A back support includes a base, a seat, and a back frame pivoted to the base. The seating unit has a flexible back (i.e., back shell) supported on the back frame and having stiff upper and lower sections connected by a forwardly protruding flexible lumbar section for providing lumbar support to a seated user. A spring mechanism is connected to the back frame and to a center lower edge of the flexible back. The spring mechanism biases the flexible back to bias the lumbar toward a forwardly protruding shape to provide optimal lumbar support when in the upright position and also during recline of the seated user.
US07712826B2
The invention relates to a heated cushion (100) for a vehicle seat, comprising an upper part (110) having a first and a second main surface and a lower part (130) having a first and a second main surface. The parts (110, 130) are arranged with their first main surfaces one against the other and on one first main surface there is disposed a heating coil (120). The upper part (110) and the lower part (130), on their respective first main surfaces, each have one half (115, 135) of a fastening system in Velcro material, and the heating coil (120) is secured in its main surface by the Velcro elements (115, 135) of the main surface. Expediently, at least one part (110, 130) is made in a fabric material.
US07712820B1
A collapsible trailer including a base, a shell hingedly secured to said base, wherein said shell engages with said base to form a sealed vessel when said trailer is in a closed position, a rear wall hingedly secured to said base, wherein said rear wall is entirely contained within said shell and said base when said trailer is in said closed position, a rear deck hingedly secured to said base, wherein said deck is entirely contained within said shell and said base when said trailer is in said closed position, a coupling means secured between said rear wall and said rear deck for transferring forces between said rear deck and said rear wall, and wherein said rear wall, said shell, and said base generally define a first room when said trailer is in said open position.
US07712818B2
To provide a box-shaped cab for a work machine, on which an operator operates the work machine, having a front surface portion, a rear surface portion, left and right side surface portions, a floor surface portion, and a ceiling surface portion, the cab for a work machine includes: a frame body having a pair of rear side structural members and a pair of lateral side structural members, a pair of rail members each having a vertical portion along the front surface portion and a horizontal portion along the ceiling surface portion; and a rectangular window frame being stored in the front surface portion or the ceiling surface portion, in which the vertical portions of the rail members are directly fixed to the lateral side structural members, and the horizontal portions of the rail members are fixed to the lateral side structural members via intermediate members.
US07712815B2
The articulated seat assembly to efficiently utilize vehicle compartment space is comprised of a seat back slidably mounted to a floor for horizontal movement relative thereto. A seat pan is equipped with at least first and second seat flange indents on opposite ends of the seat pan to cooperatively engage a floor flange to provide support to the seat pan in first and second pivoted positions. A leg assembly is pivotally attached to the seat pan at a first end and pivotally attached relative to a vehicle floor at a second end. The leg assembly is equipped with a first flat to cooperatively engage the vehicle floor when the leg is in a first pivoted position and a second flat to cooperatively engage the vehicle floor in a second pivoted position. The leg assembly is further equipped with a contour to cooperate with a floor contour to permit pivotal movement of the leg.
US07712814B2
A vehicular storage device provided in opposed relation to a passenger seat. A convex part, protruding from a rear surface of a lid in a direction opposite from a vehicle occupant, has a deformation allowance part that deforms when an impact is applied to the convex part.
US07712811B2
A vehicle tailgate extender mechanism including a tailgate frame having a tailgate bed extender guide, and a bed extender assembly coupled to the tailgate frame and including an extender cross member. An extender guide may be secured to the extender cross member, and an extender support member may be secured to the extender cross member. The extender support member is capable of at least partial insertion into and extraction out of the tailgate bed extender guide. A cargo restraining panel is rotatably coupled to the extender cross member. A ratcheting mechanism may couple the extender support member to the tailgate frame and allow the extender support member to be linearly displaced in a first direction within the tailgate bed extender guide while simultaneously preventing substantial linear movement of the extender support member in a second direction opposite the first direction within the tailgate bed extender guide.
US07712809B2
An exterior accessory assembly or module for a vehicle door assembly comprises an exterior rearview mirror and/or door cap assembly, which may further include a cover member, a door handle, window frame, window seal and/or an exterior rearview mirror assembly. The exterior rearview mirror and/or the cap assembly may mount to the modular door and provide an exterior rearview mirror, a window frame and/or door handle. The latch and/or mirror connectors provide for connection to the handle and/or mirror assembly, respectively, of the accessory module as the accessory module is affixed to the door frame. Preferably, the exterior mirror and/or cap assembly and door frame include corresponding electrical connectors for connecting electrical accessories of the accessory module to a door wiring or harness.
US07712800B2
An fireproof door lock assembly comprises a handle seat frame being a U shape frame; a press unit installed in the U shape frame of the handle seat frame; the press unit having a driven mechanism; the driven mechanism including a driven unit; a plurality of buckling units, an elastic unit, at least one vibration reduction element, at least one driving bodies, a bottom plate and a pin unit; a press element having an L shape and being attached to the driving body by using a plurality of studs passing through a connecting unit, the press element and a driving unit; and fireproof door lock installed in front of the handle seat frame; so that the driven mechanism of the press unit having the effect of opening the fireproof door look.
US07712794B2
A rapid coupling device couples a hydrogen storage canister and a fuel cell. The rapid coupling device includes first and second coupling assemblies. The first coupling assembly includes a base, and a communicating member coupled to the fuel cell, and carrying a first ejector, a separating member embracing the base, a moving member reciprocating longitudinally inside the base, and elastic members therebetween. The base is provided with abutting members which, depending on the respective positions of the moving member and the separating member control interconnection between the first and second coupling assemblies. The second coupling assembly includes a body carrying a second ejector and lockable inside the base for connection of the first and second ejectors.
US07712791B1
A caulking system for applying and maintaining a position of caulk between a pipe and a floor to provide a firestop around the pipe includes a pair of collar portions. Each of the collar portions is positioned around the pipe and engages a peripheral edge in a hole in the floor to maintain a position of the pipe with respect to the hole. The collar portions extend around the pipe when the collar portions are coupled to each other. A caulk is engaged by the collar portions to keep the caulk positioned around the pipe and positioned between the pipe and the floor. The caulk inhibits passage of air, liquid or fire between the floor and the pipe.
US07712790B2
A tank adapter has a housing. The housing has a top, a bottom and a sidewall disposed between the top and the bottom and a cavity defined by the top, bottom, and sidewall. The outer surface of the top has a first lower surface and a second raised upper surface. The second raised upper surface is located in juxtaposition to the first lower surface. The perimeter of the first lower surface is larger than the perimeter of the second raised upper surface such that a lip is formed between the first lower surface and the second raised upper surface. At least one passageway extends from the second raised upper surface to the inner surface of the top. The passageway has a first opening located in operative communication with the second raised upper surface. The passageway has a second opening located in operative communication with the inner surface of the top and at least a portion of the cavity.
US07712786B2
A motorcycle that securely prevents adhesion of fuel to an external surface of a fuel tank as it is bounced back in the course of refueling, and avoids interference with parts positioned below the fuel tank. The fuel tank has a filler opening formed in its transversal center with an upward opening. A projecting part projecting toward the filler opening is provided on a bottom wall of the fuel tank opposite to the filler opening.
US07712782B2
The present invention provides push-pull type tilt lever assembly for a steering system of a vehicle. According to the push-pull type tilt lever assembly for a steering system of a vehicle, a tilt lever assembly is disposed at the upper portion of a side of a steering column to perform locking and unlocking in tilt and telescopic functions in the steering system and achieves tilt locking and tilt unlocking by pushing or pulling a tilt lever. Further, since tilt lever is disposed at the upper portion of a side of steering column, it does not contact with the driver's knees in a car crash, such that it is possible to reduce driver's knees injury rate and remove cause of demerit for the knees injury rate in accordance with EURO NCAP that is a European car safety performance assessment programme.
US07712779B2
Disclosed is a side airbag, which controls the pressure of the airbag by controlling the outflow of gas in such a manner as to block or open a vent hole depending on the physical size of the occupant. The side airbag includes a side airbag cushion disposed to at least one side of a seat and having at least a vent hole formed at an upper part and at least a gas control member disposed to block or open the vent hole of the side airbag, for allowing or preventing gas to flow out through the vent hole by the inner pressure of the gas upon deployment of the side airbag cushion. Thus, injury to the occupant can be reduced.
US07712773B2
An airbag device for use in a motor vehicle. The airbag device includes an inflatable curtain and a cinch ring for tightening a tether during the inflation of the inflatable curtain.
US07712769B2
An airbag device is provided in which the airbag is made by folding an airbag having a left airbag section and a right airbag section and wrapping the folded airbag by a shape-retaining sheet. In one form, an airbag includes a left airbag section and a right airbag section that are inflated on the left and right, respectively, in front of a passenger, and a base chamber that communicates base ends of the airbag sections with each other. The airbag is folded so as to have reduced vertical and longitudinal widths, and is wrapped by a shape-retaining sheet. An opening is provided in the shape-retaining sheet so as to face a lateral face of a folded body of the airbag on the passenger side.
US07712763B2
A freely pivoting lock ball fits within a trailer hitch ball receiver. A top lock shaft on the ball extends up through a hole in the top of the ball receiver into a lock collar welded to the top of the ball receiver. A cylinder lock fits into a top opening in the lock collar over the lock shaft to lock the lock ball within the ball receiver to prevent theft by towing the trailer with a conventional towing hitch ball. The cylinder lock and lock ball spin freely within the ball receiver and collar to prevent drilling or sawing the lock. There is no room between the cylinder lock and collar or between the ball lock and ball receiver to pry them loose. The lock collar is too thick for cutting with a bolt cutter.
US07712749B2
A footwear includes a main shoe body provided with a recess on a bottom thereof; an upper body fixed to the recess and having a plurality of magnets arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction; a lower body having a plurality of magnets arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction, and connected with the upper body to be rotatable relative to the upper body; and rollers mounted to the lower body. The magnets of the upper body and the lower body are arranged so as to return the rollers always to a regular position by magnetism acting between the magnets of the upper body and the magnets of the lower body.
US07712744B2
A gland plate includes a rigid, disk-shaped element that includes at least one radially extending wall having a thickness of from about 0.1 to 4 mm.
US07712743B1
A three-dimensional reactionary turkey target includes a target stand shaped to represent the body of a turkey and a reactionary head and neck target that is shaped to represent the vital region of a turkey's head and neck. The head and neck target connects to the target stand, which is held in position via a support means. The target allows youth, novice, and experienced turkey hunters to assess the pattern of a turkey gun, gauge the shooter's accuracy, determine the efficacy of ammunition, and practice with a life-like target.
US07712738B2
Methods and systems for performing sheet registration are described. A device having a plurality of drive rolls may receive a sheet. Each drive roll may operate with an associated angular acceleration. A state vector, including a plurality of state variables, may be identified. Error-space state feedback values may be determined based on a difference between each state variable and a corresponding reference state variable based on a desired sheet trajectory. Control input variable values may be determined based on the error-space feedback values and one or more gains. A motor control signal for a motor for each drive roll may be determined based on the control input variable values and the state variables. Each motor control signal may impart a desired angular acceleration for at least one drive roll. The identifying step and each determining step may be performed repeatedly to register the sheet to the desired trajectory.
US07712736B2
A printer apparatus includes a paper cater plate portion for carrying paper on which an image is printed, a prescribed shaft portion arranged above the paper carrier plate portion, a paper feed roller for feeding the paper provided on the shaft portion, a pushing member for pushing the paper carrier plate portion toward the paper feed roller, a cam provided on the shaft portion, and a cam abutment portion provided in the paper cater plate portion and abutting on the earn. The cam is formed from a resin and includes a cut-out portion so that a portion of the cam abutting on the cam abutment portion when the paper cater plate portion is lifted is elastic.
US07712733B2
A bookmaking apparatus includes: a first path for horizontally conveying a sheet bundle; a second path for vertically conveying a cover sheet; a joining stage for joining the cover sheet and sheet bundle; a gripping conveyance device at an upstream side of the joining stage for gripping and conveying the sheet bundle along the first path; and a folding conveyance device arranged at a downstream side of the joining stage for folding and conveying out the cover sheet and sheet bundle. The gripping conveyance device includes opening and closing clamping members for gripping the sheet bundle and clamping control device for opening and closing the clamping members. The clamping control device operates to vary a gripping position of the sheet bundle by the clamping members when joining the sheet bundle to the cover sheet at the joining stage and when conveying the joined sheet bundle to the folding conveyance device.
US07712723B2
A valve actuator comprises a housing, a lever, and a positioning device. The lever is disposed within the housing and is adapted to be operatively coupled to rotate the valve shaft The positioning device is operatively coupled to the lever to bias the lever into a predetermined position
US07712721B2
A protective pad apparatus that prevents water damage and water pooling upon indoor surfaces. When placed between a receptacle of ice and its underlying surface, said surface is shielded from dripping condensate. The invention utilizes several fabric features of different densities that cooperate to absorb and then to disperse water. There is an absorptive upper portion, a wicking-barrier core, and an insulative bottom portion, all of which are permanently attached to create a pad. The pad apparatus is of a capacity and size to function as an adjunct to vessels containing many servings of a beverage or food.
US07712719B2
The present invention provides a portable support stand for various devices such as laptop computes, tablet PCs and other electronic equipment. The stand has a tripod configuration which promotes stability of the user device. The front legs of the tripod may be adjusted between compact and extended positions, and may be placed in a position relative to the rear leg anywhere from 0° in a fully closed position to approximately 180° in a fully open position. Audible indicators are used with overall stand adjustment and with adjustment of stoppers at the ends of the front legs. Adjustment of the front legs relative to the rear leg employs a pivot section, including a finger disc spring, an adjustment actuator and an engagement member between the spring and the actuator. The engagement member includes projections or dimples which engage receptacles on an engagement member to secure the stand in a desired arrangement.
US07712717B2
A mounting apparatus for attaching a flat panel display for a similar device to a vertical surface. The mounting apparatus includes a pair of mounting brackets each having first and second support flanges extending outwardly therefrom. First and second transverse arms are mounted upon the first and second support flanges respectively. The second transverse arm is configured to rotate between an unlocked and locked position to secure a support arm which is affixed to a display bracket which in turn is adapted to be affixed to the flat panel display. The support arm is pivotally attached at one end thereof to the display bracket an defines a curved slot at the opposite end thereof. A link arm is pivotally secured at one end thereof to the display bracket with the other end thereof slidably connected to the curved slot to enable tilting of the flat panel display.
US07712704B2
An aircraft cabin segment includes at least one longitudinally extending aisle, seats disposed in rows, at least two assemblies of baggage compartments, and ventilation outlets. The seats disposed in rows are transversal relative to the longitudinal aisle. The at least two assemblies of baggage compartments are aligned and positioned overhead. The baggage compartments of each of the two assemblies are aligned in a transversal direction and are positioned above the seats such that bottom surfaces of the baggage compartments form a sinusoidal wave along a longitudinal direction of the aircraft cabin segment. The ventilation outlets are disposed between the two assemblies of the baggage compartments.
US07712701B1
An unmanned aerial vehicle having counterrotating ducted rotors that are driven by electric motors. The vehicle has a low weight and a small profile. The unmanned aerial vehicle is suitable for a number of different tasks, including control, surveillance and reconnaissance, communication, and other tasks without exposing personnel to dangerous situations. The vehicle is particularly suited for entering buildings and other enclosed structures and spaces such as caves. The unmanned aerial vehicle can also be equipped for potential offensive actions.
US07712700B2
A core for a roll of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape comprises a paperboard material wound about an axis and adhered together to form a tubular body, and a polymer film layer wrapped about and adhered to the outer surface of the tubular body so as to form a tape-receiving surface upon which adhesive tape is to be wound. The polymer film layer has an overlap joint between the opposite edges of the polymer film ply. A recessed region is formed in the outer surface of the tubular body, the recessed region being recessed radially inwardly relative to the cylindrical outer surface. At least a portion of the length of the overlapping edge of the polymer film ply extends into and terminates in the recessed region such that the overlapping edge is not contacted by the adhesive tape wound about the core.
US07712699B2
Anti-curl control device for an automatic dispenser of wipe materials, of the type incorporating a housing with lid, fixed end plates supporting a drum incorporating a cutting device, a material reel wound on a core having end fittings and a press roller counter-bearing upon the drum. The anti-curl device comprises a roller having a peripheral surface with protruding griping feature. The roller is freely rotatable relative to supporting plates extending from a reel-holder end plate which is flexible relative to a fixed end plate. The roller is angled obliquely relative to the material reel and comes into localized contact along its generatrix with the last turn of the reel to ensure a braking effect. The roller is linked to rotation of the drum and the reel-holder end plate is elasticly deflected to adjust in position as the reel is unwound.
US07712698B2
An apparatus for forming a wound roll of discrete overlapping sheets of web from a supply of continuous web. The web preferably is passed around a nip roller that steers the web onto the surface of a take-up core. A knife assembly including a knife blade extended from a knife holder is driven by a traversing mechanism across the width of the web to cut the wound web on the core into discrete sheets, the extended height of the knife blade being preferably the exact thickness of the web. In transverse cutting by the knife of the web wound on the take-up core, the knife holder travels on the outer surface of the web, thus assuring that the knife blade extends just to the outer surface of the next inner convolution of web, thereby cutting the continuous web into sheets without damaging previously wound web convolutions.
US07712693B2
In one aspect of the invention, a cone crusher has at least one crushing surface disposed on either a cone and/or an inverted bowl of the crusher. The crushing surface has at least one insert having an impact head with a stem protruding from a base end of the head. The stem has a smaller cross sectional thickness than the head.
US07712688B2
A comminuting apparatus, particularly a document shredder, having an approximately funnel-shaped feeding area for the material that is to be comminuted. A flap is provided to constrict the feeding area to a narrow feeding path and extends across the width thereof. The flap is pivotally and/or movably mounted in the feeding area.
US07712685B2
The present invention relates to fuel injection in internal combustion engines and to fuel rate shaping. Especially, the invention relates to combustion engines utilizing heavy fuel oil as a fuel. In the body of the device there is arranged a chamber, in which a movable piston is arranged dividing the chamber into a first main volume and a second main volume, the volumes of which depend upon the position of the piston. Moreover, the device comprises at least one auxiliary volume, which can be united with the main volumes. The auxiliary volume can be filled with the fuel entering the device through the first main volume by utilizing the piston motion. By establishing a connection from the auxiliary volume to the second main volume a fuel flow to the second main volume is allowed.
US07712682B2
A reservoir (402) for connection to a spray gun has a lid (410) provided with an outlet spout (415) that is rotatably received in a socket of an inlet adaptor (419) connectable to the spray gun. The lid (410) has a spring leg (425) spaced from the outlet spout (415) with a projection (426) at the distal end for self-latching engagement with a flange (423) of the adaptor (419) to secure releasably the reservoir (402) to the spray gun. The engagement of the projection (426) and flange (423) enables the reservoir (401) to be rotated through 360° to adjust the position of the reservoir (402) while attached to the spray gun.
US07712681B2
A color changer has a common feed passage that is connected to two or more inlet passages. The common feed passage can be reverse purged in a direction that is opposite a direction of powder flow through the common feed passage. A valve element seals a supply port that connects the inlet passage to the common feed passage to eliminate dead space and form a near bore line seal. The valve element is an elastic material that expands in response to applied compressed air inside the valve element.
US07712661B2
A method for registering an electronic device includes receiving from a point-of-sale interface a transaction code and purchaser information associated with a purchase of an electronic device. While the transaction code is associated with the purchase of the electronic device, it does not uniquely identify the electronic device purchased. The method also includes receiving from the electronic device the transaction code and a device identifier that uniquely identifies the electronic device. The purchaser information and the device identifier are associated via the transaction code for registering the electronic device.
US07712658B2
A wallet consolidator to facilitate a transaction is provided. An embodiment of a wallet consolidator can include a housing, a data interface connected to the housing and positioned to effectuate communication between the wallet consolidator and one or more computing devices to thereby receive information associated with at least one card from one or more computing devices, and a memory positioned to store at least a portion of the information received by the data interface. The wallet consolidator can also include an input cluster connected to the housing to facilitate selection of at least a portion of the information by a user, a display screen to display a menu of functions to a user, and a controller positioned within the housing in communication with and to control each of the data interface, the memory, the input cluster, and the display screen.
US07712655B2
A banking computer system with lock for secure payment via telephone and corresponding method, the system includes a telephone (1), a public communication system (2), a financial computer account system (3), wherein the financial computer account system (3) usually locks its user account (3-7), assigns a private phone number (6) to a user, and sets unlock information (8) associated with the user account (3-7) in the system. Once the user is connected to the financial computer account system (3) using the telephone (1) with the private phone number (6) through the public communication system (2), the financial computer account system (3) will check the unlock information (8) according to a predefined program, if the unlock information (8) is authenticated, the user account (3-7) will be unlocked for a predefined time, otherwise, the user account cannot be unlocked, the secure payment is therefore achieved by adding an unlock procedure which can be controlled by user.
US07712651B2
A method of processing heated metal logs in a metal extrusion process. The remainder of each log is attached to the succeeding log. Specifically, the abutted ends of the two log segments are aligned with a saw. The saw is actuated to simultaneously remove material from both of the abutted ends. The cut ends are friction welded together through relative rotation of the log segments. The process creates a heated log column that is effectively endless, eliminating log remainders.
US07712648B2
An apparatus for performing thermowelding of, e.g., a battery module or the like. The surface of a heater of a thermowelding apparatus is subjected to surface treatment through coating of Teflon, fluoroplastics, or the like. Moreover, both side surfaces of the heater are folded. Surface treatment of the heater obviates thermowelding involving interposition of a Teflon tape, thereby improving a working efficiency. Folding both side surfaces of the heater prevents occurrence of warpage, which would otherwise arise during heating, whereby durability of the heater is also enhanced.
US07712645B2
A chest bag apparatus is arranged to be worn and carried in position secured against the chest of a wearer both in a first, closed, carrying condition and in a second, open, substantially L-shaped, tray-like condition providing facilitated access to the interior of the bag and its contents during its use while being worn by a wearer. The chest bag may further have a second, fully open condition for use of the chest bag in a hanging condition on a support hook or in condition laid out on an underlying ground surface. The chest bag preferably includes a quick release, temporary closure arrangement to permit the bag to be quickly closed temporarily so that it does not obstruct the wearer's view and activity.
US07712641B2
A garment hanging system comprises a sheet, which has a first fastening member and a second fastening member. The fastening members may comprise hook and loop fasteners that are configured to engage one another. The sheet may be secured to a clothes hanger by folding a portion of the sheet over the horizontal member of the hanger and securing the first fastening member to the second fastening member. Alternatively, a hanger hook may be integrated into the sheet. The sheet also includes several hook members, which may be provided on one or both sides of the sheet. The hook members may be used to hang a plurality of garments from the sheet. For instance, the straps of a camisole may be hung from each pair of hook members. A single clothes hanger or hook may thus be used to support several camisoles simultaneously, in a vertically staggered arrangement.
US07712640B2
The present invention relates to mannequin systems that can be used for simulating motion for the performance testing of garments, including absorbent articles. The systems may include an assembled framework and a mannequin secured within the assembled framework. Motion of the mannequin is generated by an integrated system of pneumatic cylinders and a motor drive assembly. The mannequin may be made of a reinforced elastomeric composite material.
US07712637B2
Devices and methods are disclosed for extracting fluids from within a container sealed by a cork or septum without removal of the cork or septum or the contamination of the fluid 1.within the container by reactive gases or liquids. Embodiments of the device can include a needle connected to a valve which is in turn connected to a source of pressurized gas for displacing the fluid. Further embodiments of the device can comprise additional components that act to force the needle to be inserted through the cork or septum along a linear path, to aid in preventing buckling of the needle, to clamp the device to the container, to prevent expulsion of the cork or septum from the container, and to guide the needle through a specified region of the cork or septum. Various valves, pressure regulators, pressure ranges, needle geometries, gas selections are also presented. This device is particularly suited for the dispensing and preservation of wine.
US07712636B2
A manually operated trigger sprayer is constructed with a reduced number of parts and in a novel manner in which the conventional metal coil spring is replaced with a pair of plastic bowed springs that are integral with the piston rod and the pump piston is connected to the piston rod by a pivoting connection that prevents radial force components acting on the piston rod from the springs from being transferred to the pump piston.
US07712634B2
An apparatus for dispensing small quantities of particles, the apparatus comprises a hopper provided with a sieve at a bottom portion thereof, the hopper in use containing powder to be dispensed therefrom through the sieve, a support for the hopper, the support holding a portion of the hopper so that the hopper can in use be held above a container into which the dispensed powder is to be received, and at least one actuator for delivering impact energy to the hopper for causing powder to be dispensed through the sieve when the hopper receives the impact energy, wherein the at least one actuator is arranged to deliver impact energy to the hopper from different directions and/or at different locations on the hopper. There is also provided a method of dispensing small quantities of particles.
US07712633B2
Provided is a liquid dispensing package for a container adapted to contain a liquid that includes a hand operated pump assembly coupled to an actuator, a liquid distribution subsystem in fluid communication with a discharge tube from the pump assembly, wherein downward motion of the actuator, provided by a user, causes liquid to travel through the discharge tube to the actuator top surface, and a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem that permits drain-back of liquid from the top surface of the actuator when the actuator is in a rest position.
US07712618B2
A cap intended to be mounted on a container includes a base, a lid with a stopper, structure articulating the lid with respect to the base, with a hinge, a structure for locking the lid on the base, and structure for unlocking the locking structure.The lid is arranged to resist any relative movement between the lid and the base and to store mechanical energy by plastic deformation of at least one of the lid and the base and the unlocking structure is arranged in the form of a detent allowing the stored mechanical energy to be released in order to propel the lid to the open position.
US07712617B2
An artificial baby-feeding nipple including a substantially solid nipple portion with one or more ducts formed therethrough for conveying fluids through the nipple. The nipple is radially compressible so as to prevent passage of fluids through the one or more ducts when so compressed through use of a material having a low durometer material.
US07712611B2
Apparatus for separating particulate material into relatively fine and relatively coarse particles wherein such particulate material and a gas stream are introduced independently of one another to a separating zone through which the gas stream flows at such volume and velocity as to entrain fine particles and convey them from the separating zone to grinding or other facilities and wherein the fineness of entrained particles may be adjusted by diverting a selected portion of the gas stream from the separating zone to a bypass passageway followed by recombining the diverted portion of such gas stream with the gas containing the entrained particles.
US07712605B2
An elongate gas distributing tube, which extends in a longitudinal direction of a container, is accommodated within the container that constitutes a gas storage container. Discharge ports, through which the gas is discharged, are provided only on a side circumferential wall of the gas distributing tube. Therefore, the discharged gas advances while being directed toward the inner side wall of the container. The gas distributing tube is surrounded by a gas absorbing/adsorbing material. On the other hand, the gas absorbing/adsorbing material is surrounded by a mixture, which is prepared by mixing the gas absorbing/adsorbing material with a heat storage material, such that heat is absorbed by the heat storage material contained therein.
US07712601B2
A star wheel H of a blow molding machine 13 constituting a blow molding line 2 as a master machine driven by a motor M is provided with an encoder E for generating a pulse depending on rotation of the star wheel H, and a filling line 3 as a slave machine driven by first to fifth servomotors SM1 to SM5 is controlled by second control means 5 based on a pulse from the encoder E. In the event of an abnormality in the blow molding line 2, the second control means 5 controls the filling line 3 based on a pulse from a pulse generator 5a instead of a pulse from an encoder E, and thus performs processing of a vessel retained by the filling line 3. Even in the event of an abnormality in the master machine, the slave machine can be continuously operated.
US07712587B2
The present invention relates to a method and an elevator system for monitoring elevators by using a virtual elevator group. The method for monitoring elevators in an elevator system including a plurality of elevators classified into a plurality of elevator groups, and at least one virtual elevator group including a plurality of elevators, at least one of which is included in a different elevator group and displaying the elevator related information on the elevators included in the selected virtual elevator group.
US07712586B2
Passenger transportation system (4) including a hallway (2) providing access to at least one transport car (6, 8, 10, 12) and a control for controlling the movement of the cars, characterized by a passenger trajectory tracking device (16) including a data processing means for monitoring the access areas to the cars (6, 8, 10, 12).
US07712583B2
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for controlling automatic lifting and lowering type platform that can correct the inclination of a mobile power generator and that can always maintain the level while carrying out automatic lifting and lowering of the generator. The apparatus includes vertical outer cases which are extended or withdrawn in the horizontal directions from or into both sides at both ends of the chassis α; vertical inner cases which are inserted into the vertical outer cases and extended or withdrawn in the vertical directions; and an allotter which allots output to jacks so that inclination detected by an angle sensor can always be corrected.
US07712582B2
In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus, comprising: a column (42) normally generally vertical when a device (30) of which the column (42) is a part is in an operating position; and a platform (62) operatively connected at one end to the column (42) and normally generally horizontal when the device (30) is in an operating position, the platform (62) being selectively raised or lowered to raise or lower a load placed on the platform (62).
US07712580B2
Vibration or acoustic sound control is achieved using an elastic layer of thermal or insulation material in which a plurality of discrete masses are distributed throughout. The elastic layer may be installed as a pre-formed layer, or be blown into position within a structure where vibration or acoustic sound control is required.
US07712574B2
A vehicle system has a steering circuit which includes a steering actuator supplied with pressurize fluid from a pressure source to turn an associated vehicle wheel to the left or right in response to the movement of the steering wheel. A feedback circuit is provided which includes a steering motor connected with the steering wheel and supplied with pressurized fluid via an electronically controlled feedback control valve means in response to signals received from a control unit to generate a steering feedback force acting on the steering wheel.
US07712570B2
A brake assembly configured to bias the master cylinder to rotate upward in a crash which induces the brake pedal to rotate down and away from the driver. This is achieved with a reduced number of parts, an angle reservoir for the initial position, a localized crush zone in the booster all configured to use the assembly's contact with the lower dash panel as a fulcrum point inducing downward rotation of the brake pedal. The present invention takes geometric advantage of its position proximate the lower dash panel to sure that when the engine compartment portion is pushed rearward toward the occupant compartment, the localized crush zone of the booster case induces upward rotation of the master cylinder causing the booster to pivot about the lower dash panel and cause the parallel brackets to rotate downward.
US07712569B2
The invention relates to a lifting device for raising the hood (20) of a motor vehicle during a collision with a pedestrian. The device comprises a retaining member (10) for connecting the hood (20) to the vehicle bodywork (14) and a pyrotechnic explosive unit (16) for detaching the retaining member (10). To guarantee a reliable operation, the device is equipped with lifting means (18) for raising the hood (20) into a collision position, the means being actuated by the energy of the explosive unit (16) released during the detachment of the retaining member (10).
US07712567B2
The seat belt retractor is provided that comprises an electric motor; a spool operatively associated with the electric motor for winding and unwinding a seat belt for occupant restraint; and a controller. The controller can be configured to control a drive of the electric motor based on a seat belt storage starting condition defined by information about a state of the seat belt relative to a vehicle occupant and information about a state of a vehicle door corresponding to the seat belt. The controller can be configured to control the drive of the electric motor to rotate the spool to wind up the seat belt when the seat belt storage starting condition is satisfied and to temporarily stop the rotation of the spool for a time period when a seat belt load acting on the seat belt exceeds a predetermined amount. The time period can be set according to a satisfaction pattern of the seat belt storage starting condition.
US07712559B2
A method of controlling the speed of a right front wheel and a left front wheel on a work machine includes receiving a speed command based at least partially on an operator input and monitoring at least one wheel steering angle of at least one front wheel. A first front wheel speed command may be determined based at least partially on the at least one wheel steering angle. In addition, a second front wheel speed command may be determined based at least partially on the at least one wheel steering angle. The first front wheel speed command and the second front wheel speed command may be output to independently control the speed of the right and the left front wheels.
US07712558B2
The invention is a transporter for moving a rolltainer, a trolley, and various other multi-wheeled containers that roll on a surface. The transporter utilizes lever-assisted rotating forks to lift and position the container to provide maximum traction, stability, and safety. The transporter utilizes hub motors for increased maneuverability and to eliminate drivetrain elements. The transporter is configured to keep transporter structure between the operator and the load during al operative modes to maximize operator safety.
US07712557B2
An endless belt system for a vehicle having a negative trail steering geometry is provided. The endless belt system replaces the wheels that steer a vehicle, particularly an all-terrain vehicle, to provide increased steerability and floatation over soft terrain.
US07712556B2
An omni direction vehicle with a frame having a round surface about its perimeter with no apparatus mounted on the frame extending beyond the perimeter. Two independent drive wheels located on an axis through the center of the frame are mounted at the same distance from a central vertical axis through the frame. Each wheel is powered independently of the other and can rotate at variable speeds in either direction. The vehicle is capable of movement in any direction by rotating the axis of the drive wheels to a position which is perpendicular to the desired direction of travel. The vehicle can spin about its vertical axis such that the axis of the drive wheels can be oriented at any direction without changing the original footprint of the space that the frame occupies over the ground. Thus, the vehicle requires a zero turning radius and requires only the space it occupies to change its forward orientation.
US07712555B2
A hydraulic system includes first and second pumps, first and second motors, and three valves for selectively creating combined and basic hydraulic flow. The arrangement of valves permits combined flow to be provided to both motors in series to cause high speed operation of the motors, and permits combined flow to be provided to one motor and basic flow to the other motor. When applied to a vehicle, the arrangement provides a steerable high speed series arrangement of the vehicle's drive motors.
US07712552B2
A water hammer using a drive rod is provided. The water hammer includes a tubular main body having a hollow portion; a socket coupled to an upper end of the main body and having a water pressure supply passage; a cylindrical piston housing connected to the main body; a piston slidably installed in the piston housing, for striking a bit of a bit unit installed at a lower portion of the main body, having a hollow portion through which water is discharged, an annular pressurizing portion protruding on its outer circumferential surface, and a first communication hole connected to the hollow portion; a sliding member fitted into the main body to be coupled to the piston housing, defining a valve installation space, and creating a space portion in which the piston is received when the piston is elevated; a valve member defining the valve installation space into first and third space portions along the length of the piston, the first and second space portions having different cross-sectional areas from each other, and valve member forming a second space portion between the first and third space portions, connected to the hollow portion of the piston and connected to the first space portion when the piston is elevated; and a water pressure supply unit for supplying high pressure water delivered to the water pressure supply passage of the socket to the first and second space portions.
US07712550B2
A thrust bearing assembly comprising a rotating bearing runner and a stationary bearing carrier, the carrier defining a plurality of thrust pad sites annularly around the carrier, with a thrust pad disposed at a site and with the carrier constraining movement of the thrust pad in a direction generally radial to the longitudinal axis of the runner while allowing the thrust pad to move in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. An embodiment comprises a rotating bearing runner having a wear resistant face and a stationary bearing carrier defining cavities disposed annularly around the carrier. A deflection element (e.g., Belleville washer) is disposed in a cavity and a pad is disposed over the deflection element. The pad is at least partially disposed within the cavity. The wear resistant face contacts the pad. Another embodiment rigidly connects pads disposed on opposite sides of a stationary bearing carrier.
US07712547B2
An electric hammer comprising a hammer bit (313) performing hammering work on a work, a drive motor, a hammering piece (334) driven by the drive motor to apply a hammering force to the hammer bit, and a mechanism (371) for damping vibration generated during hammering. The damping performance of the electric hammer is enhanced by causing the driving amount applied to the damping mechanism (371) to vary between a first mode where the damping mechanism (371) generates vibration of the hammer bit (313) subjected to an external force from the work during the load driving time and thereby optimizes the damping and a second mode where the damping mechanism (371) generates vibration corresponding to the vibration of the hammer bit (313) not subjected to an external force from the work during the no-land driving time and optimizes damping.
US07712545B2
A telescopic feed beam for a rock drill includes a lower beam and an upper beam arranged to move with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction. The cross section of the lower beam is such that there is a groove-like open space at the bottom of the lower beam and a transfer cylinder between the lower beam and the upper beam is mounted in the groove.
US07712544B1
The forward folding tool bar for grain planters includes a main frame. Left and right pivot frames are pivotally attached to the main frame for pivotal movement about vertical axes. Wing assemblies are pivotally connected to the pivot frames for pivotal movement about horizontal fore and aft axes. A tongue assembly includes a rear tube fixed to the main frame. A forward tube is telescopically received in the rear tube. A mast is fixed to the forward end of the forward tube. A pantographic linkage includes draft links pivotally attached to the mast and a hitch member. A hydraulic cylinder raises and lowers the mast. The draft links include slots that receive bar portions attached to the rear tube, in a lowered working position. Telescopic tension connector links attached to the mast and the wings prevent pivotal movement of the pivot frames when telescopic movement is blocked.
US07712535B2
A fluid breaking composition which includes an effective amount of an alkali chlorite and/or hyperchlorite, where the composition reduces a viscosity of a polymer viscosified fluid to a desired low value at down hole conditions within a time period coincident with a formation stimulation time, generally between about 30 minutes and 195 minutes and to methods for making and using the breaking composition.
US07712533B2
The permeability of a subterranean formation is improved by introducing into the formation a water-in-oil emulsion. Unwanted particulates deposited in the formation during the production of oil are dissolved or loosened by the outer phase of the emulsion and dispersed in the aqueous phase.
US07712528B2
Embodiments include methods for recovering petroleum products from a formation containing heavy crude oil. In one embodiment, a method includes flowing a catalytic material containing the nanocatalyst into the formation containing the heavy crude oil and exposing the heavy crude oil and the catalytic material to a reducing agent (e.g., H2). The method further includes positioning a steam generator within the formation, generating and releasing steam from the steam generator to heat the heavy crude oil containing the catalytic material, forming lighter oil products within the formation, and extracting the lighter oil products from the formation. In another embodiment, a method includes exposing the heavy crude oil and the catalytic material to an oxidizing agent (e.g., O2). The nanocatalyst may contain cobalt, iron, nickel, molybdenum, chromium, tungsten, titanium, oxides thereof, alloys thereof, or combinations thereof.
US07712527B2
A method comprising placing a sealant composition comprising one or more MEMS sensors in a wellbore and allowing the sealant composition to set. A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing a MEMS interrogator tool in the wellbore, beginning placement of a sealant composition comprising one or more MEMS sensors into the wellbore, and terminating placement of the sealant composition into the wellbore upon the interrogator tool coming into close proximity with the one or more MEMS sensors. A method comprising placing a plurality of MEMS sensors in a wellbore servicing fluid. A wellbore composition comprising one or more MEMS sensors, wherein the wellbore composition is a drilling fluid, a spacer fluid, a sealant, or combinations thereof.
US07712526B2
An apparatus for testing a rheological property of a fluid with a particulate includes: (a) a receptacle having a cylindrical side wall enclosed by a bottom wall defining a cavity for receiving a fluid to be tested; (b) an axial support adapted to be positioned in the cavity of the receptacle, whereby relative rotational motion can be imparted to the receptacle and the axial support; (c) at least one inward projection extending inward from an inside surface of the receptacle; (d) at least one outward projection extending outward from the axial support; and (e) at least one projection for directing fluid flow that has at least one major surface angled or curved upward. A method of testing a rheological property of a fluid with a particulate includes: (a) placing a sample of the fluid and the particulate in the apparatus; (b) imparting relative rotational motion to the receptacle and the axial support; and (c) measuring the torque between the receptacle and the axial support. A method of fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well includes: (a) placing a sample of a fracturing fluid and a particulate in the apparatus; (b) imparting relative rotational motion to the receptacle and the axial support; (c) measuring the torque between the receptacle and the axial support; (d) adjusting the conditions for mixing the fracturing fluid and the particulate in response to the measured torque; and (e) injecting the fluid and particulate into the well at a sufficient rate and pressure to fracture the formation.
US07712525B2
A laboratory test method employs maximum acoustic wave velocity to determine cure time of a sample of curable resin-coated proppant (CRCP) that are packed in a pressurized chamber to simulate conditions in a reservoir rock formation during fracturing in which the CRCP will be used. The pressurized CRCP is subjected to a varying temperature profile that replicates the reservoir temperature recovery during shut-in of the fractured zone in order to develop maximum proppant pack strength and minimize proppant flow back following completion of the fracturing operation and to determine shut-in time to complete curing of the resin.
US07712517B2
A tube bundle apparatus for thermal exchange operations at high pressures and temperatures, under conditions of high aggressiveness of process fluids. The tube bundle includes a series of tubes whose internal wall includes a material selected from titanium, zirconium, or an alloy thereof, resistant to aggression of fluids, in which at least one of access chambers to the tube bundle is delimited by a wall including at least the following three metallic layers in succession: a) an external layer for tolerating pressure load, subject to corrosion by contact with the highly aggressive process fluid; b) an intermediate layer of stainless steel; (c) an anticorrosive lining in contact with the highly corrosive fluid, of a material selected from titanium, zirconium, or an alloy thereof. The apparatus can be particularly used as an exchanger/reactor, for example as a stripper, in the high pressure cycle of synthesis processes of urea.
US07712514B2
Methods for reducing inclusion content of sputter targets and targets so produced are disclosed. Inclusions may be reduced by adding a small amount of Si to the molten Al or molten Al alloy followed by filtering of the molten metals through a filter medium. Targets having substantially no inclusions therein of greater than about 400 μm are especially useful in the sputtering of large flat panel displays and result, upon sputtering, in a reduction in the amount of macroparticles sputtered onto the substrate.
US07712509B2
An automatic apparatus for applying labels to produce is provided which utilizes three or more label cassettes angularly disposed in coplanar fashion adjacent a rotary bellows applicator. The cassettes may include labels indicating different sizes or grades of produce, for example, and each produce item being labeled may have a label selected from any one of said multiple cassettes. High label speeds in excess of 1000 labels per minute are achieved along with selective labeling.
US07712506B2
A tape dispenser includes a handle, a base plate fixed on the handle, a tape reel pivoted on a rear of the base plate, and a seat on a front of the base plate, on a top of which a cutter is provided. The handle has a chamber therein, which is open at a bottom thereof. A holder is fixed in the chamber of the handle. A tool (utility knife) is received in the chamber of the handle and held by the holder. Therefore, the tool may be stored in the chamber of the handle and may be drawn out of the handle for operation.
US07712504B2
A machine for manufacturing tires (P) using at least one core (N) used as a reference surface of the manufacture of the tires (P) by moving consecutively from one manufacturing station to another from the start of assembly through to vulcanisation, comprising a first line of stations, oriented in a horizontal direction XX′, capable of receiving the core whose axis of rotation rr′ is oriented horizontally, and a second line of stations (200, 300, 300′), oriented in a horizontal direction YY′, perpendicular to the direction XX′, in which the stations are capable of receiving a core (N) whose axis rr′ is oriented vertically. The first line of stations comprises a first (120) and a second (130) station for assembling the tire including member (121, 131) for grasping and driving the core (N) in rotation about a horizontal axis rr′, merged with the axis XX′, such members being placed opposite one another. A turning device (110) is movable in the direction XX′ and is capable of transferring the core from one station to another within the first line of stations (120, 130) by making the axis rr′ of the core effect a translation along the axis XX′ and a rotation of 180° about a horizontal axis yy′ parallel to the direction YY′.
US07712503B2
A dual head horizontal automatic flexible spacer and/or sealant applicator for a glass work piece that applies the flexible spacer and/or sealant along a single axis and will operate on a range of work pieces sizes. The machine will automatically square a work piece and pivot about a virtual pivot point of a corner of the work piece for any of a range of work piece sizes. A method of applying spacer and/or sealant is also disclosed.
US07712499B2
In the pneumatic radial tire of the present invention, a total strength K0 of a belt layer 20 in a circumferential direction of the tire per unit of width at a tire equator surface position P0 is set greater than a total strength of the belt layer 20 in the circumferential direction of the tire per unit of width at a width position P2 corresponding to ⅔ of a maximum width of the belt layer having the tire equator surface CL as a center.
US07712498B2
A flat tire (2) according to the present invention includes a load support layer (12) positioned on an inside in an axial direction of a sidewall (6). The tire (2) further includes a belt (14) constituted by an inner belt ply (40) and an outer belt ply (42), and a full band (16) substantially covering a whole surface on an outside in a radial direction of the belt (14). The full band (16) is formed by a cord and a topping rubber. When a tensile load of 50N is applied, the cord has an elongation of 3.0% or less. The tire (2) may include a center band which has a smaller width in the axial direction than the width of the full band (16) and is laminated on the full band (16) in the vicinity of an equator (CL).
US07712497B2
Provided is an anti-slipping device for dual tires including: a plurality of spike members 100 which comprises an insertion plate 110 bent in a trapezoidal shape to be inserted between the dual tires, and close-contact plates 120 integrally extending from opposite sides of the insertion plate 110 to closely contact each surface of the dual tires; a belt 200 connecting the insertion plates 110 of the plurality of spike members 100 to each other; and a fastener 300 coupled to opposite ends of the belt 200 to adjust tension of the belt, wherein the fastener 300 includes first and second connection rings 330a and 330b each inserted into insertion space parts 201a and 210b formed at both ends of the belt 200, and a belt fastener 340 detachably coupled to the first and second connection rings 330a and 330b to adjust tension of the belt 200, thereby stably providing running performance and braking power to minimize a risk of a slipping accident.
US07712496B2
Certain example embodiments relate to flaming wallets, and methods of making the same, with such flaming wallets typically being used for magic tricks, illusions, jokes, and/or general fun. In certain example embodiments, a flame mechanism may be substantially completely concealed by “fake money.” The flame mechanism of certain example embodiments may include an igniter that produces a spark for causing flammable material applied to flame retardant material to combust, with the flame retardant material being inserted into respective recesses of one or more flame retardant material holders located between the inner surface of the flaming wallet and the rear surface of the fake money. In certain example embodiments, a magnet mechanism may facilitate the closing of the wallet and/or the extinguishing of the flames produced by the flaming wallet. Advantageously, the flaming wallet of certain example embodiments does not necessarily require hidden compartments or areas, or sleight of hand.
US07712479B2
A crutch enabled to fold on itself so the crutch can be stored in small places or confined areas. The crutch attaches to the forearm of a user with a flexible cuff during use. After use, an upper section and lower section of the crutch rotate toward one another using a pivoting joint. Further, the lower section of the crutch has telescoping sections, allowing the crutch to use substantially less space during storage.
US07712467B2
An artificial airway device comprises an air conduit extending between a proximal opening and a mask opening. When the device is in an operative position, the proximal opening remains outside of a patient and the mask opening is open to a laryngeal opening of the patient. The device further includes a seating tip extending distally from the distal end of the airway tube which, when the device is in the operative position, is located on a pharyngeal side of the patient's cricoid.
US07712463B2
A self-regulating valve assembly for a compressed gas gun includes a valve housing and a valve body disposed within the valve housing. The rearward end of the valve body defined an outlet port. The forward end of the valve body defines a gas balance reservoir open to and in communication with the breech of the gun. A valve gas passage is provided between the valve body and the valve housing, the valve gas passage providing communication between the outlet port of the valve body and the gas balance reservoir of the valve body. A slidable valve poppet is disposed within the valve body and includes a sensing end adjacent to and at least partially within the gas balance reservoir, the sensing end having a sensing face adapted to react to gas pressure within the gas balance reservoir. The valve poppet is slidable between a closed position and an open position. A valve spring within the valve body biases the valve poppet toward the closed position. Pressure in the gas balance reservoir exerts a force on the sensing face to urge the valve poppet toward the closed position.
US07712457B2
The invention deals with a method for operating an internal combustion engine with engine oil as the lubricant and a fuel supply by means of direct injection, wherein an air number (lambda) of a fuel-air mixture supplied to the internal combustion engine is determined. Provision is made in the method according to the invention for the internal combustion engine to be transferred to an operating state with higher fuel consumption, when a low air number (lambda) is detected in driving conditions with a high percentage of fuel ingress from a crankcase ventilation system into the fuel-air mixture. By means of this increase in the fuel requirement, the fuel, which exited the engine oil into the intake air of the internal combustion engine, can be combusted; and an increase in the exhaust gas emissions by means of incompletely combusted fuel, in which typically hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide arise, can be avoided. In a warm-up phase of the internal combustion engine, the fuel, which ingressed into the engine oil, can thus likewise be combusted, even if under certain temperature-time conditions, particularly in the partial load operating mode and during idling, more fuel is present in the fuel-air mixture than is actually required for operating the internal combustion engine.
US07712455B2
Magnetic device (1) for treating liquids and gaseous materials, comprising a housing (2) within which permanent magnets (6) are arranged defining a flow path (3). The housing (2) is made of magnetizable material, preferably soft iron, the flow path (3) consists of at least one magnetic pretreating unit (4) and at least one magnetic aftertreating unit (5) in which the permanent magnets (6) are arranged at the boundary of the flow path (3) in such a manner that the north (N) pole or the south (S) pole of the permanent magnets (6) faces the flow path (3). In the magnetic pretreating unit (4) the permanent magnets are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the flow direction (10) with alternating polarity, while the permanent magnets (6) are arranged with the same polarity in the magnetic aftertreating unit (5).
US07712452B2
An engine includes a fuel delivery system having a fuel rail and fuel delivery devices, such as fuel injectors, that deliver fuel to corresponding cylinder assemblies. The use of the fuel rail and fuel injectors allows unused fuel to be purged from the engine at the end of the engine's operating cycle, thereby minimizing the creation of fuel vapor within the engine. The fuel delivery system also includes fuel rail coupling members that are constructed and arranged to secure each cylinder assembly to the fuel rail and to absorb load generated by the corresponding cylinder assembly on the fuel rail during operation. The fuel rail coupling members allow motion of the cylinder assemblies relative to the fuel rail during operation and minimize the application of potentially damaging forces on the fuel rail.
US07712450B2
In an ignition timing control apparatus for an engine, a KCS learning value learned when the engine is in a given operating state is used in an ignition timing control executed when the engine is in the other operating state. An estimated knocking occurrence ignition timing is set based on a most retarded ignition timing using the KCS learning value. A final ignition timing is set by changing a KCS feedback correction value based on whether knocking occurs when ignition is performed at the estimated knocking occurrence ignition timing. When a point indicating the engine operating state moves into a region where it is difficult to set the estimated knocking occurrence ignition timing, the KCS feedback correction value is changed to retard the final ignition timing, and the final ignition timing is set using the KCS learning value and the changed KCS feedback correction value.
US07712445B2
An apparatus for providing pressurized fuel for an engine includes an engine starting apparatus including an electric motor operative to crank the engine and a fuel pump operatively coupled to the electric motor.
US07712440B2
The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine for motor vehicles. The engine can be operated in homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion mode and in conventional spark ignited (SI) combustion mode. For increasing volumetric efficiency and charge temperature during homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion operation timing, duration and lift of the intake valve and the exhaust valve respectively, being controlled such that an amount of residual exhaust gases is trapped in the cylinder of the engine. An intake valve is opened at a timed moment after top dead center during an induction stroke of the piston such that a pressure wave is generated from an intake manifold into the cylinder. The intake valve is closed at a timed moment before the pressure wave is reflected within the cylinder such that a charge mass of said pressure wave is retained within the cylinder.
US07712435B2
A plasma processing apparatus includes: a reaction chamber; two electrodes provided inside the reaction chamber for generating a plasma therebetween, wherein at least one of the electrodes has at least one gas inlet pore through which a gas is introduced into the reaction chamber; and a gas inlet pipe coupled to the gas inlet pore for introducing the gas into the reaction chamber. The gas inlet pipe is grounded and insulated from the gas inlet pore, wherein an insulation member is placed inside the gas inlet pipe and the gas inlet pore.
US07712433B2
A spray nozzle for use in the manufacture of an image display device includes a first body having a first injection hole, and a second body configured to be rotatably coupled to the first body and having a second injection hole to inject fluid that is supplied thereinto from the first injection hole.
US07712432B2
In printing of a bonding material in which a board is supported from a component mounting-side surface on which a plurality of components are mounted, and a bonding material is printed on a working-side surface which is a surface opposed to the component mounting-side surface of the board, an edge portion region of the board supported by a board transporting unit is included in a support region of the board during the printing so as to enlarge the support region of the board having the components mounted thereon in high density and to achieve reliable and high precision printing of the bonding material.
US07712431B2
Washers partially coated with a thermochromic material are incorporated into bolted electrical connections to monitor or record temperature changes undergone by the electrical connections as indications of the performance or integrity of the electrical connections. For monitoring ongoing performance, the color changes undergone by the thermochromic coated washers can be compared to each other within a common field of view or to a common datum, such as a nearby thermochromic coated washer mounted in a bolted non-electrical connection. Irreversible thermochromic materials can be used to record elevated temperature events such as approaching or reaching a design temperature limit or a fault condition. Different thermochromic materials can be combined within the same washers to monitor different ranges of temperature or to record multiple threshold events.
US07712420B2
Provided is a cab isolation system for a locomotive is provided including a cab having a front and a rear. The cab isolation system further includes a pivot located generally near the rear of the cab and at least one spring generally located near the front of the cab. In another embodiment, dampers may further be provided and generally located near the front of the cab. In another embodiment, lateral links may further be provided and generally located near the front of the cab. This system may include any of the above elements, alone or in combination, to provide for a cab isolation system for isolating a locomotive cab from engine generated structure borne noise and vibration, while lower frequency track induced motions are not magnified.
US07712411B2
A stencil printing apparatus which suppresses master consumption by switching between simplex printing using a simplex master and single-step duplex printing using a duplex master automatically in accordance with master information and sheet information comprises a printing drum and pressing means, and can be made to switch between duplex printing, in which a rear surface printing step is performed after a front surface printing step, and simplex printing by wrapping a duplex master formed with a first engraved image and a second engraved image around the printing drum during duplex printing, and wrapping a simplex master formed with a third engraved image for simplex printing around the printing drum during simplex printing. Master identification information, indicating whether the master was engraved with duplex printing images or a simplex printing image during engraving, is stored in a storage unit in association with plate cylinder identification information, and either a duplex printing mode or a simplex printing mode is selected on the basis of plate cylinder identification information obtained anew when an operation command or a plate cylinder attachment/detachment command is input into the apparatus, and the master identification information stored in the storage unit.
US07712406B2
A method is described for detonation of a blasting charge in a fluid environment and which is placed inside a hollow body, such as in an ignition pellet. The method is characterised in that an ignition pellet is used, which is arranged to be deformed under the influence of a number of alterations or pulsations between high and low pressure in the surrounding fluid environment, with the detonation triggering unit inside the body being activated at the subsequent contact with the fluid environment as a consequence of the pellet being deformed. In rupturing, external fluid at overpressure is released into the cylinder and drives a firing pin against a detonating cartridge. A device for an ignition pellet is also described.
US07712399B2
A tool and an associated bit driver are provided. The tool includes a handle and a bit driver carried by the handle. The bit driver can include a body defining a cavity for receiving a bit and a pivotable lock configured to move between a locked position in which the lock engages the bit and an unlocked position in which the lock is spaced and thereby disengaged from the bit. The pivotable lock can include a pivot pin, an engagement member for engaging the bit and an actuation member with the engagement and actuation members extending along the body in opposite directions from the pivot pin.
US07712395B2
An automatic transmission includes a pressure adjusting unit that controls hydraulic pressure supplied to a transmission mechanism by the operation of a solenoid valve. A housing has a heat radiating portion for radiating heat to the outside and houses the pressure adjusting unit. A first connector is so arranged as to pass through the housing and has a control circuit unit electrically connected to the solenoid valve of the pressure adjusting unit. A second connector is electrically connected to an engine control unit outside the housing and engages with the first connector and the heat radiating portion. The second connector is electrically connected to the control circuit unit and presses the first connector onto the heat radiating portion.
US07712393B2
A safety grip for a handwheel which is movable between an operating position and a home position is comprised of an elongated and ergonomic body (1) and of a support (2), which is anchored to the body of a maneuvering member, such as a handwheel. The body (1) is comprised of an outer case (1a), a rod-like inner core (3) with a head (4), a bushing (6) slidably mounted on the core (3), a sleeve (7) in sliding engagement on the bushing (6), an axial thrust spring (9) arranged between two opposite shoulders (6a) and (7a) of the bushing (6) and of the sleeve (7), and a second thrust spring (10) arranged between the head (4) and the top of the bushing (6). The body (1) is connected to the support (2) at a pivot point (5). An end of the sleeve (7) engages a contact surface of the support (2) through a collar (8). The collar (8) has an inner conical mouth surface that engages a shaped rib (11) on the top of said support (2), where the shaped rib (11) has a frusto-conical outer surface.
US07712389B2
A lifting device having parallel double screw rods includes a motor, a first transmission and a second transmission. The first transmission includes a screw rod driven by the motor and a telescopic tube assembly threadedly connected to the screw rod and linearly movable relative to the screw rod. The distal end of the telescopic tube assembly is fixedly connected on a connecting piece. The second transmission is provided at one side of the first transmission and parallel thereto. Further, the second transmission includes a sleeve driven by the motor to rotate, a telescopic tube assembly accommodated within the sleeve and axially movable relative to the sleeve, and a screw rod threadedly connected to the telescopic tube assembly and linearly movable relative to the telescopic tube assembly. The distal end of the telescopic tube assembly is connected to the connecting piece. With the above arrangement, each screw rod is interchangeable and the cost can be reduced.
US07712387B2
A pelvis assembly for a dummy includes a pelvic plate attached to a lumbar region of the dummy, and one of more pelvic units, attached to the pelvic plate to transmit motion from a femur bar of the dummy to the plate. Each pelvic unit includes a hip joint, attached to the femur bar; a rotary axle, a first end of which is attached to the hip joint, and which is disposed laterally, to rotate together with the hip joint when the femur bar pivots vertically; and one or more pelvic angle adjusters, installed near a second end of the rotary axle, to transmit rotation of the rotary axle to the pelvic plate, thereby changing a vertical angle of the pelvic plate.
US07712386B2
A method and device for the contactless detection of flat objects, particularly in sheet form, such as paper, films, foils, plates, and similar flat materials or packs. At least one correction characteristic is supplied to an evaluating device downstream of a sensor device, specifically a receiver, by means of which the characteristic of an input voltage of a measuring signal in the receiver is so simulated as a function of the gram weight or weight per unit area of flat objects as a target characteristic that there is a linear or almost linear dependence or a characteristic approximated to the ideal characteristic for single sheet detection in the form of a target characteristic.
US07712385B2
A method for the preparation of samples for an analyzer and a sampling station therefor are provided which allow automated injection of larger inert-gas volumes to be introduced into a sample container via a packing, in order to enrich the packing of the substances of a sample to be investigated.
US07712378B2
A pressure-sensitive displacement sensor comprises: (A) a contact portion (11) which includes: a semi-conductive matrix layer (14) containing conductive materials with a predetermined density, wherein the semi-conductive matrix layer is formed with a soft material having elasticity and has a resistance (Rx) under a normal condition without subjecting to a contact pressure, and when the semi-conductive layer is pressed, a density of the conductive materials in the semi-conductive matrix layer is increased due to compression of the soft semi-conductive layer, which results in reduction of the resistance (Rx); a first conductive layer (12) disposed on a first surface of the semi-conductive matrix layer; and a second conductive layer (13) disposed on a second surface of the semi-conductive matrix layer; (B) a first resistor (19) having one side connected to the first conductive layer and the other side connected to a power source; (C) a second resistor (21) having one side connected to the second conductive layer and the other side connected to ground; (D) a first voltage comparator (16) having a plus terminal and a minus terminal, the minus terminal connected to the first conductive layer; (E) a second voltage comparator (17) having a plus terminal and a minus terminal, the plus terminal connected to the second conductive layer; (F) a third resistor (22) having one side connected to the power source and the other side connected to the plus terminal of the first voltage comparator; (G) a fourth resistor (23) having one side connected to the plus terminal of the first voltage comparator and the other side connected to the minus terminal of the second voltage comparator; (H) a fifth resistor (24) having one side connected to ground and the other side connected to the minus terminal of the second voltage comparator; and (I) an OR-gate (18) connected to the outputs of the first and second voltage comparators and operable to output signals in response to the outputs of the first and second voltage comparators.
US07712377B2
In a crimped hose, a length of rubber tubing is crimped into a blind-ended ferrule. To determine whether the tubing has been fully inserted, a dimple is pressed into the ferrule. The force needed to produce the dimple is small or large, depending whether the rubber is inserted properly, and the difference is large enough to serve as a detector. Measuring the dimple-force provides a commercially-useful test for proper insertion.
US07712370B2
Sticking of a substrate occurs in a reaction chamber for processing the substrate placed on a surface of a substrate-supporting device provided with lift pins for moving the substrate up and down with respect to the surface of the substrate-supporting device. A method of detecting the occurrence of the sticking of the substrate includes: monitoring a vibration propagating in or through the reaction chamber by a sensor, which vibration is indicative of or specific to sticking of the substrate on the surface of the substrate-supporting device when being moved up from the surface of the substrate-supporting device with the lift pins; and initiating a pre-designated sequence if the vibration is detected while processing the substrate in the reaction chamber.
US07712352B2
An intrinsically safe, precise, and cost effective storage tank leak detection system. Embodiments include a highly precise quartz crystal type pressure transducer, secured in a vacuum and held at a constant temperature. Said transducer is used in combination with data correction and regression techniques to yield a storage tank leak detection system with an extremely low leak detection threshold. The storage tank leak detection system is thought to be most useful for detecting very small leaks in very large storage tanks.
US07712351B2
The present invention relates to a device 100 for the testing of a packaging material comprising a housing 101 with an opening 104, a holder 105, whereby the holder 105 is positioned in a inner chamber 106 with an in- and outlet and means 103 for applying a vacuum in the inner chamber 106. The vacuum means apply a vacuum on a material to be tested, which when having defects (like undesired pores) will not withstand the vacuum and generating to a signal.
US07712347B2
A self-diagnostic measurement method to detect microbridge null drift and performance. An ASIC can be designed to include a self-diagnostic feature that automatically occurs at start up or upon command in Normal Operation whereby the temperature compensated microbridge null can be measured in a state of very low thermal energy and allows for the tracking of microbridge null stability versus time. An Airflow Combi-Sensor ASIC (Heimdal) with its strategic partner ZMD can be developed and can be implemented in the form of a self-diagnostic feature that occurs when power is first applied to the ASIC or upon command. When the self-diagnostic is initiated, power is removed and after the electronics have settled, a small power can be applied to the microbridge to measure the bridge null with reduced sensitivity to flow due to self-heating.
US07712341B2
An electronic combination lock includes a door handle having a code entry button and housing a lock assembly and an electrical circuit. The lock assembly includes a lock body, a rotating cylinder, spring loaded lift lock pins and corresponding key pins, a reset cam path and a programming cam path formed on the cylinder, a lift comb for lifting the lift lock pins, a latch for latching the lift comb and a magnet being selectively activated to cause the latch to release the lift comb. The electrical circuit receives a first input signal indicative of an input code entered at the code entry button and a second input signal from a program switch actuated by the programming cam path and is operated to store an entry code when the program switch is actuated and to activate the magnet when an input code matching the stored entry code is received.
US07712340B2
A lock includes a body, a key-operated core in the body, two spring-biased plates slideable on a recessed portion of the body, and a locking crutch to be fastened to the body with the spring-biased plates. The body has crutch embedding holes on two sides of the core; the core has a plate part, and force is applied to the spring-biased plates through the plate part when the core is turned. The locking crutch has a groove on each of two ends to engage a corresponding plate. The plates are biased to engage the locking crutch when the core is in the locking position; and, the plates are forced to disengage from the locking crutch by turning the lock core to the unlocking position. Saw-resistant pins are inserted in receiving holes formed on a periphery of the lock body to protect the lock against a saw.
US07712335B2
The aim of the invention is to improve a known quartz glass cylinder for the production of an optical component, comprising an inner drilling, which is mechanically machined to size and provided with an etched structure by means of an etching treatment, subsequent to the mechanical machining, such that in the application thereof for production of pre-forms and optical fibers, few bubbles arise along the boundary surface between core and sleeve. Said aim is achieved, whereby the etched structure comprises striations with a maximum depth of 2.0 mm and a maximum width of 100 μm. A method for production of such a quartz glass cylinder mechanically machined to size is characterized in that the mechanical machining comprises several serial removal processes with successively lower removal depths, whereby after the last removal process the inner drilling has sub-surface striations with a maximum depth of 2 mm and the inner drilling is subsequently subjected to an etching treatment such that an etching removal with a maximum depth of 50 μm is achieved.
US07712333B2
To provide a method for smoothing a surface of a glass substrate having a concave defect, such as a pit or a scratch.A method for smoothing a surface of a glass substrate having a concave defect thereon, comprising: forming a film on the surface of the glass substrate having the concave defect by a dry deposition method, the film comprising a glass material having a fluid point Tf of 150° C. or above and of not higher than a strain point Ts (° C.) of the glass substrate; and heating the film of the glass material at a temperature of not lower than Tf and not higher than Ts to put the film in such state that the film of the glass material can flow so as to bury the concave defect, followed by cooling the film of the glass material, thereby to smooth the surface of the glass substrate having the concave defect.
US07712328B2
A refrigerator having an ice and beverage dispenser on both the front and the back of the refrigerator improves efficiency and utilization of the refrigerator. Home floor plans include passageways through interior walls whereby a user can access a second dispenser of the kitchen refrigerator from an adjacent room, thus increasing access to the refrigerator.
US07712313B2
In the fuel nozzle, the fuel is circulated in a helical path around the interface of a stem of the fuel nozzle and a flange for increase the cooling.
US07712307B2
In an exhaust gas system for an internal combustion engine, particularly of a motor vehicle, wherein the exhaust gas system comprises a nitrogen oxide reducing converter arranged in an exhaust gas line of the internal combustion engine, an exhaust gas cleaning device arranged upstream of the nitrogen oxide reducing converter and a reducing agent feed device for feeding a reducing agent into the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine upstream of the nitrogen oxide reducing converter, a bypass line is provided which branches off from the exhaust gas line upstream of the exhaust gas cleaning device and rejoins the exhaust gas line at an entry point downstream of the exhaust gas cleaning device and upstream of the nitrogen oxide reducing converter.
US07712274B2
A suspended ceiling system comprising grid runners and downwardly accessible generally planar tiles mounted on the grid runners, peripheral tile edges having portions extending horizontally underneath an adjacent grid runner, opposed tile edges having a downwardly facing support surface, said opposed edges having a generally vertical abutment surface above its support surface and resting on an adjacent horizontal flange portion of a grid runner, the runners having locating surfaces of limited height above said flange portions and engageable with the abutment surfaces, the runners and tiles being arranged to permit one of the opposed tile edges to be lifted so that its abutment surface can be raised and thereafter be shifted towards the runner adjacent the lifted edge a distance sufficient to allow the opposite edge to drop below the flange portion of its associated runner.
US07712272B2
A symmetrical load transfer device for use in insulated concrete wall panels. The symmetrical shape allows for forces induced in manufacturing, transportation, installation and nature to transfer through the device equally to both concrete wythes of the wall panel. The load transfer device is preferably made of a thermoplastic or thermoset resin matrix incorporating continuous filaments, such as glass rovings. The low thermal conductivity of the matrix of filaments and resins greatly reduce thermal bridging of the insulation layer while maintaining structural integrity of the wall panel.
US07712271B2
The present disclosure includes various brackets and methods for forming a tiled transition between a first surface and a second surface, the first and second surfaces forming an inside corner. One bracket embodiment includes a first base portion securable to the first surface, a second base portion securable to the second surface, and a receiving slot angled with respect to the first and second surfaces for receiving a tile strip, wherein the tile strip is permanently secured in the receiving slot to form the tiled transition between the first and second surfaces.
US07712269B2
A fastener device for releasably securing an object within an opening formed in a structure comprises a first fastening member and a second fastening member each having a pair of legs which are oriented at an angle relative to one another. A coupling element is movable along one of the legs of at least one of the first and second fastening members. One leg of each fastening member is inserted into a hole formed in the structure surrounding the opening allowing the other leg to pivot, preferably in a trochoidal motion, until the pivoting legs align with one another at which time the coupling element may be moved into engagement with the two pivoting legs to releasably connect the fastening members together in position to secure the object relative to the opening.
US07712262B2
A removable arch form assembly for use in forming a masonry arch of a plurality of masonry elements on a substructure comprises a flexible arch form having a substantially rectangular shape, first and second end clips engaging an arched structure about which the masonry arch is to be formed, at least one intermediate clip positioned on the arched structure between the end clips and at an elevation differing from the end clips, the end clips and the at least one intermediate clip removably receiving the flexible arch form and retaining the form in an arched orientation.
US07712257B2
A safety system for a door-to-door jamb interface is provided. The safety interface uses several slidably joined members which are coupled to the door and its associated door jamb to prevent interaction between a user and the door-to-door jamb interface.
US07712255B1
A nesting planter arrangement having a plurality of open planting units each of a successive smaller size from the bottom planter unit to the top planter unit and in which each planter unit other than the base planter unit rests on a portion of the planter unit below it so that it projects above the planter unit upon which it rests in the planting position and the arrangement may be inverted to be in the storage position so that the plurality of planting units are nested together in a smaller height than in the planting position.
US07712245B1
A fishing lure includes a substantially hollow body with a composite weight pivotally positioned therein for generating a sound to attract fish to the fishing lure when it is retrieved in water. The body includes two side walls having a forward end and a rearward end. The side walls define at least two chambers within the body that are separated by an interior partition. The weight includes a tungsten knocking member cylindrical head member and a foot, with a lead base member substantially surrounding the foot. The weight has at least three sides, with one of the sides providing a base rocking surface that is opposite the tungsten knocking member. The composite weight is pivotally positioned on the base rocking surface in one of the hollow regions, such that when the fishing lure is retrieved in water, the weight will pivot from side to side within the body so that the tungsten knocker member intermittently engages the side walls to generate the desired sound and vibration to attract fish.
US07712237B2
A hose clamp identification marker for selectively identifying contents of a flexible hose. The hose clamp identification marker may be implemented in connection with a hose clamp and may comprise an open channel configured to straddle a hose. In this manner, the hose clamp identification marker of the present invention may be introduced to and removed from the hose clamp without disrupting continuity of treatment or requiring disassembly of the connection between the hose and a delivery device, such as a hollow needle.
US07712236B2
An apparatus and method to quickly, easily and temporarily secure fabric to an ironing board or the like to facilitate the removal of hair, lint, or other particulate matter which is adhered to the surface of the fabric. The fabric to be cleaned is positioned on an ironing board in the same manner as placing the fabric on the board for ironing. A pressure applying member is placed over the fabric to be cleaned, most commonly near the longitudinal end of the fabric. Each end of the pressure applying member is connected to a tension mechanism such as a spring or elastomeric cord. The other end of the tension mechanism is connected, in turn, to a connecting means such as a J-hook. When the connecting means are hooked over the far and near edges of the ironing board, the tension mechanism is pulled taut, forcing the pressure member down with sufficient force to hold the fabric in place against the pull of a vacuum or lint brush.
US07712232B2
A snow blower attachment includes a concentric axis fan and auger, the fan and auger being independently powered by respective motors and being axially operably coupled for support and for independent rotation of the fan and auger.
US07712228B2
A method and device for effecting automatic centering of an annular workpiece on a rotating surface having a rotational center involves arbitrarily positioning the workpiece on the slowly rotating surface, applying a support for the workpiece by way of spaced apart contact members that individually contact the workpiece and are synchronously movable in a guided reciprocating manner towards and away from the rotational center of the rotating surface. The contact members are gradually retracted away from the rotational center of the rotating surface until the workpiece is unaffected by the contact members during one revolution of the rotating surface so that the workpiece is centered, and the center of the workpiece coincides with the rotational center of the rotating surface. At least one of the contact members is provided with a mechanism for counteracting a friction force acting on the workpiece.
US07712221B2
A machine, method and tooling to precision cold-form roller blanks for anti-friction bearings. The machine is a multistage progressive former using floating die cavities to enable simultaneous shaping of the ends of the roller with high accuracy and without flash. The tools and staged forming create an improved roller with an advantageous grain pattern and devoid of structural defects previously attributable to the presence of sheared end face material in the radiused corners of the blank and flash at its mid-section.
US07712220B2
A method of a double starwheel unit in multiple rows with a multi-hole manner, an instrument and the like are disclosed. The double starwheel unit has a sleeve and two starwheel parallel-arranged and connecting the sleeve. The instrument has a plate-like assembly fixture and an orientation mechanism. The plate-like assembly fixture has a plurality of strip-like tools. The method combines the strip-like tools with the plate-like assembly fixture and a plurality of module holes, presses an exterior mold on the starwheel onto upper and lower surfaces of the plate-like assembly fixture, and injects a working fluid to shape the double starwheel units. The strip-like tools are engaged or disengaged by the orientation mechanism.
US07712196B2
A belt lock includes a plug (20) and an attachment (30) to be detachably attached to the plug (20). The attachment (30) includes a belt attaching hole (32). The plug (20) is provided with a rail (26). The attachment (30) is provided with a groove (31) to be slidably engaged with the rail (26). The rail (26) is provided with a lock section (a recess) (27). The groove (31) is provided with a to-be-locked section (a protrusion) (34) to be engaged with the lock section (the recess) (27).
US07712195B1
A transverse pin (17) passes through an end loop (46) in a folded, multi-core (43) or single core (69), flat bungee cord (43, 69) to anchor the bungee cord within a molded base (49). The pin extends past the end loop of the bungee cord so as to restrain longitudinal movement thereof. The pin and end loop are molded into the base. The pin may comprise a transverse portion of a wire (19) forming a hook (25).
US07712194B2
A belt tongue for a safety belt having a connecting plate for connecting the belt tongue with a buckle, a tongue main body being rigidly connected to the belt tongue and a clamping element with a bending edge. The clamping element is mounted in the tongue main body in such a way that it rotates in relation to the tongue main body if the force in the belt exceeds a defined force. The clamping element forms a concave outer surface. In order to be able to achieve a low weight of the belt tongue and in particular of the bending element, the clamping element is supported on the tongue main body by means of its outer surface.
US07712184B1
The caster wheel having integrated electrical brake involves a standard caster wheel and an electronic braking component that screws into the top surface of the caster wheel mounting bracket. The electrical braking component includes a solenoid that moves a pin up and down to impact a spring-loaded brake mounted underneath the caster wheel mounting bracket.
US07712176B2
A hairbrush for detangling, smoothing, shaping and drying of hair and designed for improving efficiency of a conventional air blow dryer. At least one channel in the head of the brush includes an inlet that is shaped for receiving preferably heated air from a blow dryer and directing the air to exit from an outlet of the channel in an approximately reverse direction closely adjacent to the inlet thereby concentrating the drying action of the heated air.
US07712173B2
A method of manufacturing an ice skate for enclosing a human foot when in use, the foot having a heel, an ankle with a medial malleolus and a lateral malleolus, a plantar surface, medial and lateral sides and toes. The method comprises (a) providing a sheet of thermoformable material; (b) thermoforming the sheet of thermoformable material to form an outer shell comprising (i) a heel portion for receiving the heel of the foot; (ii) an ankle portion for receiving the ankle; (iii) medial and lateral side portions for facing the medial and lateral sides of the foot respectively, the medial and lateral side portions extending forwardly from the heel portion and the ankle portion, one of the medial and lateral side portions comprising a skirt portion being integrally formed therewith; (c) folding the skirt portion to form a sole having an upper surface for facing the plantar surface of the foot and a bottom surface; and (d) mounting an ice skate blade holder to the bottom surface of the sole.
US07712170B2
A single patient, personal use patient transfer mattress is provided including at least a substantially permanently stainable top sheet having a width, a length, and longitudinally oriented peripheral edges and a bottom sheet having the same width, the same length, longitudinally oriented peripheral edges and a plurality of perforations. The longitudinally oriented peripheral edges of the top and bottom sheets are sealingly fastened to one another. A plurality of baffles, each having a width and a length, are attached to an inner surface of the top sheet and an inner surface of the bottom sheet so as to be transversely oriented between the top sheet and the bottom. The baffles along with the widths of the top and bottom sheets define a radially-outwardly curved perimeter wall that is disposed between an edge of the baffles and the sealed peripheral edges of the top and bottom sheets. The radially-outwardly curved perimeter wall has a width y that is determined by the following relationship: d π - x 2 ≤ y where d comprises a height of the longitudinally extensive pontoon and x comprises the width of the baffles.
US07712167B2
A bed with a movable side barrier comprising a main barrier element and a bottom extender is disclosed. The main barrier element is associated with a deformable parallelogram mechanism hinged to a frame of the bed, said mechanism includes a deployment bar hinged between two parallel arms, and the bottom extender is attached to the deployment bar via a horizontally-sliding connection and is constrained to slide along vertical guide means carried by the main barrier element.
US07712161B2
A spa system includes a tub supported by a chassis, an enclosed space formed between the tub and the chassis, first and second vents through the chassis leading to the enclosed space, water heating and cooling devices coupled in series to a circulating system adapted to withdraw and return water relative to the tub, and a thermostat operatively coupled to the heating and cooling devices. The cooling device incorporates a fan operative for drawing air into the enclosed space through the first vent in response to activation of the cooling device, and a blower is operative for expelling air from the enclosed space through the second vent currently with the operation of the fan of the cooling device.
US07712157B2
An easy release hinge assembly for connecting a covering member to a toilet base is disclosed. It has a mounting plate mountable on an upper rearward surface of the toilet base, and having two spaced apart through holes and two overhanging lateral wings. Fasteners are extendible through the through holes and then through a portion of the toilet base to mount the mounting plate thereon. There is also a hinge base member adapted to support the covering member in a pivotal fashion, the hinge base member having a pair of spaced essentially horizontally extending extension arms defining in part an opening for receiving the mounting plate therebetween. A lid is pivotably mounted on the hinge base to pivot between a first position where a rearward portion of the lid is positioned behind the mounting plate, and a second position where it is not.
US07712151B2
An apparatus and method allows for the construction of an inflatable, protective enclosure that provides a temporary, contaminant free environment for one or more individuals. The approach results in a protective suit and/or enclosure that is inexpensive, compactly stored and light-weight, yet provides a reliable source of filtered, contaminant-free air as well as upper-body and/or full-body protection for one or more persons. The protective suits/enclosures described produce an over pressure environment within the protective enclosure so that a positive flow of filtered air is maintained between the interior of the suit or enclosure and the outside environment, thus assuring that no contaminants may seep into the protected, contaminant free interior. The protective enclosures protect individuals from contact with and inhalation of noxious chemicals, inorganic and organic dust and particles, as well as radioactive particles that would ordinarily be associated with industrial emergencies and/or an intentional terrorist attack.
US07712150B2
A protective pad assembly for releasably attaching to a garment, comprises a flexible inner member provided to be disposed inside the garment, an outer member provided to be disposed outside the garment and a securing device provided for releasably attaching the outer member to the inner member. The outer member further includes an outer protective pad. The securing device includes an inner magnetically attractive element attached to the inner member and an outer magnetically attractive element attached to the outer member. The outer magnetically attractive element and the inner magnetically attractive element are magnetically attractable to each other so as to hold the protective pad assembly in place on the garment. Moreover, one of the inner magnetically attractive element and the outer magnetically attractive element is a magnet.
US07716744B2
The present invention provides a device driver and a method for controlling access to data on a computer readable medium. According to the invention, there is provided an interface for access to a device-driver stack for a media drive, a detector for detecting insertion of a computer readable medium in said media drive, and a monitor for monitoring accessing of data on said computer readable medium. A control device establishes a location of at least one demonstration zone on said computer readable medium and determines whether a data region currently being accessed is in said demonstration zone. Said control device modifies playback of data in dependence upon the outcome of said determination.
US07716738B2
A method and communication system, are discussed, including a plurality of communication nodes connected by a data link, and a communication controller configured to allocate link-level addresses to the communication nodes. The communication nodes may be identified for communications over the data link. The communication controller is further configured to change from time to time the link-level addresses allocated to each communication node and to transmit the newly allocated link-level address to a respective communication node in an encrypted form.
US07716734B2
Systems and methods for pattern matching on principal names to control access to computing resources
Systems and methods are provided for resource access control in computer systems. Our approach includes new techniques for composing and authenticating principals in an access control system. Our principals may comprise information that identifies the role of the user of a computer system, the mechanism by which the user was authenticated, and program execution history. Thus, when a principal makes a request, access control determinations can be made based on the principal's identity. Access control lists may provide patterns that are used to recognize principals, thereby ensuring a level of security without enumerating precise identifiers for all of the possible principles that may request a particular resource.
US07716727B2
A network security module for protecting computing devices connected to a communication network from security threats is presented. The network security module is interposed, either logically or physically, between the protected computer and the communication network. The network security module receives security information from a security service. The security information comprises security measures which, when enforced by the network security module, protect the computer from a security threat to the computer. The network security module implements the security measures by controlling the network activities between the protected computer and the network. The network security module also temporarily implements security patches until corresponding patches are installed onto the protected computer.
US07716724B2
A method and system that may include two or more authentication devices configured to authenticate a user via an authentication session. The method and system may also include a device operably coupled to the two or more authentication devices and being configured to manage the authentication session.
US07716723B1
A system for user authentication includes a gateway operable to receive a user authentication request in an Internet Protocol format from a server. The gateway communicates the user authentication request in a Signaling System 7 protocol to a user registry. The gateway is also operable to receive a user authentication response in the Signaling System 7 protocol from the user registry. The gateway communicates the user authentication response in the Internet Protocol format to the server.
US07716719B2
A system for providing application services in a computing environment having both user-mode processes and privileged-mode processes. A user-mode component is provided with an interface configured to access an exposed privileged-mode interface. A configuration component specifies a list of installable code components that are authorized for installation, wherein privileged-mode functions will only be executed in response to accesses by the user-mode code component when the installable code component is represented on the list.
US07716712B2
An adaptive data stream filter removes narrowband interference from the CATV return path prior to these paths being combined in the network. A method for removing narrowband interference from the CATV return path detects potential narrowband interference in real-time and adapts a filter to remove this potential narrowband interference. An exemplary embodiment of the above method uses previously created filters that are combined based on detected interference in an adaptive manner to continually adapt to new interference sources. Another exemplary embodiment of the above method calculates new filter coefficients for the data stream filter based on detected interference. In another embodiment, two filters are operated in a ping-pong manner for each band of interference identified as above threshold. This enables updating of one filter while another filter is performing the data stream filter operation.
US07716709B2
A system and method for increasing capabilities of streaming content including video on demand to multiple users are provided. The system includes a central broadcast station and at least two user locations for receiving streaming content from the central broadcast station. Each user location includes receiving equipment capable of tuning into more than one channel simultaneously and capable of capturing content from a first channel in a first in first out buffer as it presents content from a second channel.
US07716708B2
In a content supply system 100, in order to use a streaming server 102 to perform a live distribution, a user PC 106 used makes a reservation for a time zone, etc. to a server reservation control center 101. When the user PC 106 sends desired reservation information including the information on the setting of the disclosure level indicating whether distribution of the content should be open to the general public or accepted only to specific people in addition to the time zone above, etc. to the server reservation control center 101 via the Internet 103. Then, in the case of a content distribution based on a reservation, restrictions, etc. are put on the distribution from the streaming server 102 to the client terminal apparatus 107 according to the disclosure level setting information above.
US07716706B2
A multi-directional antenna connected with a digital television broadcast signal receiver is arranged not to move one full turn instantaneously in response to an abrupt drop down in the intensity of a received signal thus to avoid any downward overshooting of the intensity of the received signal and eliminate any useless direction searching time while remains favorably controlled to face in the direction where the intensity of the received signal is at optimum. More specifically, the maximum of the intensity of a received signal at each channel is measured and the threshold is set to a level lower than the maximum. When the intensity of a received signal has dropped down from the threshold, the antenna remains not turned within a predetermined period of marginal time. The antenna is moved one full turn only when the intensity drops down from the threshold and stays continuously over the predetermined period of marginal time. Then, the maximum of the intensity of the received signal is modified and stored for future use.
US07716704B2
A television program selection system and method for selecting television programs for viewing or recording utilizing a guide schedule list which is received from a cable or satellite broadcaster for example, and comprises characteristics such as topic-theme, relevancy, and broadcast time data. The user can select a time period and optionally in addition a selection mode, which corresponds to one of the alternative algorithms used to sort the programs in the schedule and generate a list of suggested television programs to be displayed for the user to select a program. The default selection mode can use a conventional selection algorithm, and the optional selection mode can eliminate all programs which have any characteristics having a zero weighting.
US07716700B2
Although personal video recorders (also known as digital video recorders) provide certain conveniences to viewers of programming content, such devices facilitate manipulation or “skipping” of commercials, frustrating the intent of the advertisers of the commercials. In accordance with the invention, when a user fast-forwards (rewinds) a commercial, alternate commercial(s) may be accessed for display in place of the original commercial, which provides a full impression of the goods and service promoted, otherwise impossible to appreciate at the fast-forward (rewind) speed. The duration of the alternate commercial(s) corresponds to the duration of the original commercial at the fast-forward (rewind) speed controlled by the user. With the invention, the user advantageously realizes the convenience of manipulating programming content, and at the same time can appreciate the full impression of an alternate commercial to the original commercial, albeit in a shorter duration.
US07716699B2
A home entertainment network transmits audio/video decrypted from a DVD over a network to a media receiver using a secure channel. The A/V data is re-encrypted in a second encryption format amenable to transmission over the network. The media stream is thereby compliant with copy protection and digital rights management requirements. The media server constructs an emulated user interface corresponding to an actual instantiation of a navigation menu on the media server to solicit user input at the media receiver. The media server alternatively constructs a unique identifier of the DVD based upon the file structure on the DVD to search for menu navigation commands over an external network for heuristic navigation control.
US07716696B2
A television receiver includes: broadcast wave receiving means for receiving a broadcast wave; obtaining means for obtaining information for specifying a program being a common program of programs received in accordance with first program information related to a receivable broadcast and programs received in accordance with second program information different from the first program information, said program having starting time of broadcast earlier in said first program information than in said second program information; and recording means for recording said program specified by said information.
US07716695B2
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a thin optical disc having remote reading capability is provided. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, the optical disc includes a central clamping area that defines a central aperture operable to be engaged by a spindle mechanism of an optical disc drive, an optically-readable data storage area substantially surrounding the central clamping area, the optically-readable data storage area having a planar thickness of less than 1.20 mm, and an electronic tag coupled to or embedded within the optical disc, the electronic tag comprising a radio frequency tag or radio frequency identification tag.
US07716692B2
A disc device includes the following: a traverse base 5 that can be moved between a recording/reproducing position and a standby position, on which an optical pickup 2 and a turntable 1 are mounted; a front cover 3 including a disc carrying surface 3a that carries a disc 4 and an aperture 3b that is formed in the disc carrying surface 3a and allows the turntable 1 to pass through when the traverse base 5 is moved between the recording/reproducing position and the standby position; and centering members 8 for holding and shifting the disc 4 to a position where the center of the disc 4 is aligned with the center of the turntable 1. The loading of a disc can be performed in an easy and highly flexible manner.
US07716689B2
A disk-storing disk device is disclosed. A disk-storing disk device may include: a plurality of supporting members for supporting a disk and disposed stacked in the axial direction of the disk; a supporting member selecting mechanism for spreading the spacing between selected and adjacent supporting members; and holding members moveably supported by each of the supporting members, the holding members for holding a disk between the holding members and each of the supporting member when the supporting member selecting mechanism moves the plurality of supporting members in the axial direction of the disk.
US07716677B2
A system and method for mapping Container Managed Persistence (CMP) persistent object states to Java Data Object (JDO) states. In an embodiment, mapping logic identifies a state of a CMP persistent object. The identified CMP persistent object state is mapped to a JDO state. In an embodiment, the mapping is based, at least in part, on whether the CMP persistent object is associated with a transactional context.
US07716675B2
A method and system for providing an integration environment in which integration processes can be developed independent of integration servers and applications. The integration environment provides an application service interface for each application that is independent of the integration servers. An integration process that is developed to use the application service interface is compatible with any integration server that supports the applications that the integration process accesses. The integration environment provides a common service interface for each type of application. The common service interface is independent of the application that is providing the service and is also independent of the integration server. Thus, an integration process developed to use the common service interface is compatible with any application of the appropriate type and any integration server.
US07716644B2
A system and method facilitating attributed debugging is provided that facilitates a developer of an object to determine what information a debugger displays. An expression evaluator is provided. The system can further include, optionally, a debuggee (e.g., process to be debugged). The debuggee includes attribute(s) which are employed by the debugger to facilitate debugging of the application—“attributed debugging.” This allows a developer of a type to declaratively indicate how information is to be displayed during debugging. Attributed debugging thus allows the manipulation of the view of data in the debugger by allowing the type author annotations with which they can control.
US07716640B2
Techniques for developing applications for various frameworks. An IDE is provided comprising user-selectable options for building applications for a first framework and also for building applications for a portal based upon a second framework different from the first framework. The portal applications for the portal based upon the second framework may be developed using a language supported by the first framework. User-selectable options provided by the IDE also enable deployment of the portal applications to the portal. A single IDE can be used to develop applications for different frameworks. For example, Visual Studio .NET may be used to develop applications for the .NET framework and also to develop and deploy portal applications (e.g., portal snippets) for a portal based upon a Java-based framework such as J2EE. The portal snippets may be developed using a .NET language.
US07716637B2
An embedded macro establishes logic for object properties that define actions that execute when an event triggers. When an embedded macro is associated with an event, a regular event property value is set to an empty string and a shadow property associated with the regular event property is created. An application that supports embedded macros recognizes the empty regular property value as an indicator that a macro is embedded in the event. A binary representation of the macro is accessed from the shadow property and is executed when the event associated with the embedded macro triggers. An action safe list identifies trusted embedded macro actions. Embedded macro actions not included on the safe list are not executed such that untrusted actions are blocked from execution.
US07716634B2
A system for creating applications, such as web applications, allows a non-technical trained user to build and edit applications. The tool used to build the applications creates the application elements including actions, screens, data, header and footer, and scripts, which are stored and accessed as records in a database. The web application that is created can be exported to and installed within a website.
US07716630B2
Ordering parameters in a graph-based computation includes determining a desired first ordering of a set of parameters associated with graph elements in a computation graph; determining an ordering constraint for the set of parameters; and determining a second ordering of the set of parameters that satisfies the ordering constraint according to the desired first ordering.
US07716626B2
In a method of designing a circuit layout of a semiconductor integrated circuit, a logic function of the integrated circuit is first designed. Then, a pattern layout of the integrated circuit is designed. The designed pattern layout includes a logic cell area and an open area. Next, a spare underground cell is inserted into the open area. The spare underground cell includes a functional element. A mask layout of the integrated circuit is then designed. The designed mask layout includes the logic cell and the spare underground cell.
US07716610B2
A distributable and serializable finite state machine and methods for using the distributable and serializable finite state machine are provided wherein finite state machine instance can be location-shifted, time-shifted or location-shift and time-shifted, for example by serializing and deserializing each instance. Each instance can be located-shifted between agents, and a persistent memory storage location is provided to facilitate both location-shifting and time-shifting. Finite state machine instances and the actions that make up each instance can be run in a distributed fashion among a plurality of agents.
US07716609B1
Optimizing a circuit by calculating at least one parameter of a circuit based on a first size of at least one sleep transistor, calculating at least one parameter of the logic circuit based on a second size of the at least one sleep transistor. This process may be repeated for different sizes of the at least one sleep transistor to determine an optimum size of the at least one sleep transistor to optimize at least one parameter of the logic circuit.
US07716606B2
The invention enables users to virtually attach information to situations in the real world, and also enables users to quickly and easily find out desired information. An IR sensor receives an IR signal transmitted from an IR beacon, and supplies the received signal to a sub-notebook PC. A CCD video camera takes in a visual ID from an object, and supplies the inputted visual ID to the sub-notebook PC. A user inputs, through a microphone, a voice to be attached to situations in the real world. The sub-notebook PC transmits position data, object data and voice data, which have been supplied to it, to a server through a communication unit. The transmitted data is received by the server via a wireless LAN. The server stores the received voice data in a database in correspondence to the position data and the object data.
US07716598B2
Methods and systems for scaling down a Web page image enables the image to be displayed on a standard television without horizontal scrolling of the image. A Web page image that initially has a horizontal dimension larger than the horizontal dimension of a television display is received from a web server and subsequently scaled down by a scaling factor that is based only upon the amount of scaling that is necessary to fit the image within the horizontal dimension of the television display. This scaling factor is used to scale the image horizontally and vertically, thus preserving the aspect ratio of the image. When a hyperlink from the scaled down Web page image is selected, coordinates to the hyperlink are scaled up based on the same scaling factor so that they will correspond with the server-side image map of the Web page image.
US07716595B2
A call center support and documentation system is provided. The call center support and documentation system assists an agent of a call center in processing calls. Specifically, the system assists the agent in processing calls more quickly by providing, on a single display screen, all of the information to process a call (including the customer's information, troubleshooting steps, and documentation). The system also assists the agent in documenting calls in an efficient and standardized manner. Documentation, such as the customer information and troubleshooting steps for a call, may be automatically populated in a uniform manner so that the agent may update the documentation database.
US07716594B2
In a service providing system, a live-distribution service for live-distributing contents supplied according to a reservation, and a chat service for providing the use of a chat space corresponding to the reservation for the live distribution are provided.
US07716590B1
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates updating a secondary form element in a web browser based on a selection of data in a primary form element. The system starts by receiving the selection of data in the primary form element in the web browser. Once the selection has been made, the system spawns a secondary instance of the web browser and sends the selection of data to a server from the secondary instance of the web browser. Next, the system receives a response from the server at the secondary instance of the web browser, which includes data for the secondary form element, wherein the data corresponds to the selection of data in the primary form element. The secondary instance of the web browser uses this data for the secondary form element to update the secondary form element in the web browser.
US07716582B2
A method is provided for displaying at least one hierarchically structured list having at least two levels, and a display unit for such a method is also provided, in which the user is offered an optimum overview in the display of hierarchically structured lists having at least two levels. In the display of one or more of the subordinate elements of the list, the respective superordinate element of the list associated with the subordinate element of the list is also always displayed.
US07716578B2
The present invention relates to a display method. The display method includes displaying a labeled column chart on a graphical user interface, where the column chart having a plurality of labels. The display method further includes entering a first modification of one of the labels via a graphical user interface by a user and starting execution of labeling instructions that implement a labeling algorithm for generating a first modified labeled column chart in response to the entry of the first modification. The first modified labeled column chart is displayed.
US07716577B2
A method and apparatus for accelerating processing of a structured document. A hardware XML accelerator includes one or more processors (e.g., CMT processors), one or more hardware XML parser units, one or more cryptographic units and various interfaces (e.g., to memory, a network, a communication bus). An XML document may be processed in its entirety or may be parsed in segments (e.g., as it is received). A parser unit parses a document or segment character by character, validates characters, assembles tokens from the document, extracts data, generates token headers (to describe tokens and data) and forwards the token headers and data for consumption by an application. A cryptographic unit may enforce web security, XML security or some other security scheme, by providing encryption/decryption functionality, computing digital signatures, etc. Software processing, bus utilization and latencies (e.g., memory, bus) are greatly reduced, thereby providing significantly improved XML processing and security processing throughput.
US07716570B2
XPS documents are created and accessed via a collection of interfaces of various classes of an application programming interface. The application programming interface includes a document sequence class for reading and writing the document sequence of the XPS document, a fixed document class for reading and writing the fixed documents of the document sequence, a page class for reading and writing the pages of the fixed documents, and a resource class for accessing the resources of each page. Applications seeking to create or read XPS documents may utilize the application programming interface such that the complexities of creating and accessing the XPS document are abstracted away.
US07716568B2
A media receiving apparatus capable of preventing media from being positioned in an invalid display area or a program from being temporarily stopped, even if the vertical/horizontal ratio of the resolution of the display section is switched while a broadcast or streaming program is being displayed. In this apparatus there are a plurality of display sections D1 and D2 with different resolutions, and a display directive section (303) directs a display section to be set as active in accordance with the mode of use of the user. A layout information selection section (304) selects a layout corresponding to the resolution of the display section indicated by the display directive section (303) from layout information that includes layouts corresponding to display sections D1 and D2 distributed from a media distribution apparatus, and in accordance with the selected layout a media display control section (306) selects media distributed from the media distribution apparatus, performs conversion processing comprising enlargement or reduction, and displays media on the display section designated by the display directive section (303).
US07716563B2
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the efficient implementation of a totally general convolutional interleaver in a discrete multi-tone (DMT)-based digital subscriber line (xDSL) system, such as a modem or the like, that uses forward error correction (FEC) and convolutional interleaving to combat the effects of impulse noise and the like. More specifically, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for implementing a general convolutional interleaver, with no constraints, in an efficient manner, using (D−1)*(I−1)/2 memory locations for the interleaved data in all cases.
US07716556B2
A method applied to an optical disc drive for calculating an error detection code corresponding to a data sector is disclosed. The data sector includes a plurality of bytes arranged in a matrix having N lines along a first direction and M lines along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The method includes: along the first direction, calculating error detection codes corresponding to M bytes located at each of the N lines, wherein for each of the N lines, only bytes having error bits affect an error detection code for the line; adjusting an error detection code of each of the N lines according to a displacement between each of the N lines and a last line of the N lines; and then determining the error detection code of the data sector by summing up the displacement-adjusted error detection code of each of the N lines.
US07716554B2
A method for BTFD decoding of signals having at least a message block of k-bit from a length candidate set S={s1, s2, . . . si}, wherein the k message bits are encoded by a CRC encoder and processed by an (n, l, m) convolutional encoder to generate encoded data that includes decoding a received frame to form a decoded sequence that includes an si-bit message and an error correcting code, calculating a δ(si) value, comparing δ(si) with a threshold value, repeating the decoding and calculating steps if δ(si) is greater than the threshold, and updating the threshold to be δ(si) if δ(si) is less than or equal to the threshold.
US07716552B2
A turbo-like code is formed by repeating the signal, coding it, and interleaving it. A serial concatenated coder is formed of an inner coder and an outer coder separated by an interleaver. The outer coder is a coder which has rate greater than one e.g. a repetition coder. The interleaver rearranges the bits. An outer coder is a rate one coder.
US07716547B2
A compactor includes test data inputs that are connectable to circuit outputs of an electrical circuit, test comparison inputs, and test data outputs. The compactor further includes a number of H matrix XOR gates arranged as a switching mechanism between the test data inputs and the test data outputs such that data applied to the test data inputs is produced at the test data outputs compressed in accordance with coefficients of an H matrix of an error-correcting code, and compensation XOR gates arranged between the test data inputs and the test data outputs, each compensation XOR gate including an input for receiving a compensation value.
US07716544B2
A path data transmission unit in which, if one of a normal path for handling normal data and a test path for handling test data is selected, the other path is disabled to reduce power consumption; includes an edge detector, a first path data transmission block, and a second path data transmission block. The edge detector detects an edge of a test enable signal that indicates a normal operation mode or a test mode and transmits an edge detection signal. The first path data transmission block transmits a first path data in response to the test enable signal, the edge detection signal, a clock signal, normal data and a second path data. The second path data transmission block transmits the second path data in response to the test enable signal, the clock signal, and test data.
US07716540B2
A data storage device includes a plurality of sectors and a port, the port having a transmitter and a receiver. In one embodiment a method includes coupling the transmitter to receiver, providing power to the data storage device, detecting that the transmitter is coupled to the receiver, and executing code for exercising the data storage device.
US07716539B2
Disclosed is serial communication control system including: a first microcomputer; and a second microcomputer connected to the first microcomputer through a serial line, wherein the second microcomputer includes an R/B signal sending section to send one of a READY signal and a BUSY signal, the first microcomputer includes an R/B signal receiving section to receive the signal, and a first sending section to send first serial data to the second microcomputer when the R/B signal receiving section receives the READY signal, the second microcomputer includes a first receiving section to receive the first serial data, and a second sending section to send second serial data after the receiving operation of the first serial data by the first receiving section is completed and the R/B signal sending section thereafter sends the BUSY signal, and the first microcomputer includes a second receiving section to receive the second serial data.
US07716531B2
A system and method for mapping exceptions from a first programming model to a second programming model is disclosed. The system comprises a first device operating a first programming model and a second device operating a second programming model. The first device sends an instruction to, or invokes the second device to execute an instruction. As a result, a fault occurs during execution of the instruction in the second programming model. An exception based on the fault is raised, and returned to the first device. The system further comprises a fault mapping module configured to receive the exception from the first device. The fault mapping module attempts to determine the type of exception received. This determination may be accomplished by comparing an identifier within the exception with one or more predetermined identifiers that indicate exception type. The fault mapping module is also configured to interpret the exception according to a set of mapping data to generate an interpreted exception recognizable by the first programming model if the exception is determined to be of a predetermined type.
US07716524B2
A method for executing a computer program on computing hardware, e.g., on a microprocessor, is provided, the computer program including multiple program objects and errors being detected in the method while running the computer program on the computing hardware. The program objects are subdivided into at least two classes, and multiple program objects are executed during one run, program objects of the first class being repeated when an error is detected and, when an error is detected in one program object of the first class, which has already been sent for execution, this program object of the first class is restarted instead of a program object of the second class after the other program objects of the first class of a run.
US07716521B1
A multiple-core, multithreaded processor including a flexible error steering mechanism. An integrated circuit may include processor cores. Each processor core is associated with a respective number of threads and is configured to issue a first instruction from one of the threads during one execution cycle and a second instruction from another one of the threads during a successive execution cycle. An error processing unit may be coupled to the processor cores and configured to detect an error condition corresponding to a data element external to the processor cores. In response to detecting the error condition, the error processing unit may convey an indication of the error to a selected processor core dependent upon an identifier of the selected core. The error indication may also include an identifier of a selected thread executable on the selected processor core. The identifiers of the selected core and the selected thread may be programmable.
US07716516B2
A technology for supplying a power supply voltage to a microprocessor. Before normal arithmetic processing of the microprocessor, duty cycle correction process for adjusting the duty cycle of a clock signal inside the microprocessor is performed. In the duty cycle correction process for adjusting the duty cycle, the duty cycle of the clock signal is adjusted so as to minimize the power voltage at which the microprocessor is still operable.
US07716507B1
The present invention provides a versatile system for management of clocking for a serial interface. Serial input data, comprising a plurality of fields, and preceded by a specific input pattern, is provided to a receiver element. Within one of the fields in the serial input data, some information concerning the size the current serial data payload is included. Responsive to receiving the specific input pattern, the system of the present invention asserts a clock enable signal to activate clocking. A countdown corresponding to the size the current serial data payload is initiated. Once that countdown has reached zero, the clocking for the interface is disabled.
US07716500B2
An electronic device having a processor powered by a power source may be operated by providing a plurality of program portions individually executable by the processor for performing the same computing function. Each program portion causes the processor to exhibit a different instantaneous power consumption profile while performing the computing function. A particular program portion is selected based on at least one characteristic of the power source and executed on the processor to perform the computing function.
US07716498B1
A network attached storage system includes at least one data moving device coupled to a control station for receiving commands from the control station, each of the at least one data moving devices including a board having mounted thereon a file server portion and a power control portion, wherein the power control portion receives a continuous power supply and controls the application of power to the file server portion based on commands from the control station.
US07716495B2
Security mechanisms detect and intervene in a malicious attack against a runtime function, even in the presence of a coding flaw such as a buffer overrun or overflow. One such exemplary mechanism uses a predetermined security list of the valid targets for a first runtime function (such as longjmp). For every call to a second runtime function (e.g., setjmp) that prepares for a later invocation of the first runtime function, the dispatcher finds and stores a reference to this list. When a subsequent attack targets the runtime functions by creating an attacker-provided setjmp target address (e.g., the attack overwrites the longjmp target address so that the pointer points somewhere else, such as code provided by the attacker or code that already exists that will eventually pass control to code provided by the attacker), the new (attacker provided) target address is compared to a reference list of the real (valid) target addresses. The list of real target addresses is stored in memory. If the target address that has been provided is found on the reference list, then the runtime function (e.g., longjmp) is allowed to continue to execute by the dispatcher (which may be the actual runtime function). Otherwise, the dispatcher assumes the application is under attack and terminates the process' execution.
US07716491B2
A method for securely generating a PIN comprises generating a number of random binary bits; determining the least significant bits of the number of bits; converting the least significant bits to a decimal integer; shifting the value of the integer by a predetermined constant to produce a shifted integer; and encoding the shifted integer as bits in a PIN block in accordance with a standard. A method for managing security of a PIN used to provide access to a secure device comprising choosing the PIN; storing an encrypted version of the PIN in the device; and communicating the PIN to a user of the device via a communication channel separate and apart from a channel reset to provide the device to the user. A method for resetting a PIN in a secure device comprising sending a message to a data center having an original PIN for the device, the message including authorization data indicative of at least one of the device and an authorized user of the device, and securely communicating the original PIN to the location of the device.
US07716488B2
Data stored in a data storage system is hashed to generate a hash value. The hash value and a request for a time stamp are then sent to a time stamping authority. A time stamp token and/or a time stamp certificate is received from the time stamping authority. The time stamp token includes a time stamp and the hash value, and may be encrypted using a private key of the time stamping authority. The time stamp token and/or time stamp certificate is then stored with, for example, a reference to the data being stored in the data storage system. The time stamp token and/or time stamp certificate may then be used to validate the data being stored and the time stamp.
US07716481B2
The present invention is directed to a system and method for propagation of security information for secure information exchange. Existing and new authentication information are gathered and combined into the same header. The header is attached to electronic document data encrypted by a client device and sent via a computer network to a document processing device. The document processing device, upon receipt of the header and document first decrypts the header and uses the existing authentication information to qualify the new authentication information by validating the existing authentication information through a trusted authentication mechanism. Once validated, the new authentication information is available for future document processing operations by the document processing device and other trusted document processing devices.
US07716470B2
Techniques are described for generating and actively verifying a boot code associated with a peripheral device of a computer system to prevent potential security threats the boot code may introduce into the computer system. The techniques for generating boot code entail generating the boot code from a high-level programming language using a verification application program interface (API). The API aids in generating a certificate, which is associated with the boot code in that the certificate describes operation of the boot code. After generating the boot code and associated certificate, the two are loaded onto a memory module of the peripheral device. Once the peripheral device is connected to the computer system, the computer system may retrieve the boot code and certificate. The computer system utilizes techniques to actively verify the boot code by performing a security check on the boot code in accordance with the associated certificate. Finally, the computer system executes the boot code based on a result of the security check.
US07716457B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that counts speculatively-executed instructions for performance analysis purposes. During operation, the system counts instructions which are normally executed during a normal-execution mode. Next, the system enters a speculative-execution mode wherein instructions are speculatively executed without being committed to the architectural state of the processor. During the speculative-execution mode, the system counts the speculatively-executed instructions in a manner that enables the count of speculatively-executed instructions to be reset if the speculative execution fails.
US07716453B2
A memory management unit that includes: (i) multiple data segment descriptors, each data segment descriptor associated with a data memory segment; (ii) multiple program segment descriptors, each program segment descriptor associated with a program memory segment; and (iii) a controller, adapted to replace the content of the multiple data segment descriptors and the multiple program segment descriptors in response to a task switch. A method for memory management, the method includes: (i) providing multiple data segment descriptors; each data segment descriptor associated with a data memory segment, and providing multiple program segment descriptors, each program segment descriptor associated with a program memory segment; (ii) receiving and storing a program task identifier and a data task identifier; (iii) receiving a data access request and determining how to handle the data access request in response to a content of the multiple data segment descriptors; and (iv) receiving a program access request and determining how to handle the program access request in response to a content of the multiple program segment descriptors.
US07716435B1
Providing protection of point-in-time application data includes obtaining a plurality of original snapshot copies of an original logical volume containing the application data, causing the original snapshot copies to be tested for data corruption, and restoring data corresponding to one of the original snapshot copies. Application data is accessible by an application prior to completion of the restoration. One of the original snapshot copies may be restored to the original logical volume and/or to a new logical volume different from the original logical volume. Prior to completion of the restoration, particular data may be restored to the original logical volume or to the new logical volume prior to an operation to access the particular data. The original snapshot copies may be provided as virtual devices.
US07716434B2
A network storage virtualization method and apparatus in a network storage system having a plurality of network storage devices. According to the, present invention a client connected via a network is allowed to access the network storage devices as one virtual network storage system. In addition the client is permitted to access the network storage devices separate from the virtualized network storage system for other purposes such as reporting, verifying or backing up.
US07716428B2
A cache coherent data processing system includes at least first and second coherency domains. In a first cache memory within the first coherency domain of the data processing system, a coherency state field associated with a storage location and an address tag is set to a first data-invalid coherency state that indicates that the address tag is valid and that the storage location does not contain valid data. In response to snooping a data-invalid state update request, the first cache memory updates the coherency state field from the first data-invalid coherency state to a second data-invalid coherency state that indicates that the address tag is valid, that the storage location does not contain valid data, and that a memory block associated with the address tag is likely cached within the first coherency domain.
US07716427B2
In a microprocessor having a load/store unit and prefetch hardware, the prefetch hardware includes a prefetch queue containing entries indicative of allocated data streams. A prefetch engine receives an address associated with a store instruction executed by the load/store unit. The prefetch engine determines whether to allocate an entry in the prefetch queue corresponding to the store instruction by comparing entries in the queue to a window of addresses encompassing multiple cache blocks, where the window of addresses is derived from the received address. The prefetch engine compares entries in the prefetch queue to a window of 2M contiguous cache blocks. The prefetch engine suppresses allocation of a new entry when any entry in the prefetch queue is within the address window. The prefetch engine further suppresses allocation of a new entry when the data address of the store instruction is equal to an address in a border area of the address window.
US07716425B1
Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems for prefetching data in distributed storage systems. One method of software execution includes using input/output (I/O) requests from multiple separate networked storage nodes in a distributed storage system to prefetch data for one of the multiple separate networked storage nodes.
US07716422B2
Provided are a storage apparatus using a non-volatile memory as a cache and a method of operating the same, in which the non-volatile memory is used as the cache so as to preserve data even when electricity is interrupted. The storage apparatus using a non-volatile memory as a cache includes a main storage medium, the non-volatile memory being used as the cache of the main storage medium and having a stationary region and a non-stationary region divided according to whether data are fixed, and a block management unit managing blocks allocated in the non-volatile memory.
US07716419B2
Provided is a computer system having a host computer that requests the input and output of data in and from an actual storage volume, and a plurality of storage subsystems respectively having at least one or more virtual storage volumes. The virtual storage volumes of each of the plurality of storage subsystems are virtualizations of a common external volume. The host computer sets a certain logical path among a plurality of logical paths to be respectively connected to a plurality of virtual storage volumes formed by virtualizing the common external volume as an alternate path of another logical path.
US07716417B2
A tape library comprises: a plurality of tape media; a plurality of slots in which the plurality of tape media are respectively stored; a drive in which a tape medium extracted from any of the plurality of slots is set and which performs tape reading or writing in respect of this tape medium; and a controller by which a tape medium is extracted from a designated slot of these plurality of slots and set in the drive. The host computer comprises: a plurality of virtual computers; a first storage region in which is stored slot allocation information expressing which slot is allocated to which virtual computer; and an access control unit that specifies the slot allocated to a first virtual computer, of the plurality of the virtual computers, from the slot allocation information, and restricts access from the first virtual computer to the tape medium in the specified slot.
US07716416B2
A tag storing unit stores, in a plurality of entries, a plurality of tags corresponding to a plurality of addresses, a parity bit of each of the tags, and a reverse bit obtained by reversing the parity bit. A data storing unit stores a plurality of data corresponding to the tags in a plurality of entries. A comparing unit compares an address for search with a tag of each of the entries. A determining unit performs an OR-operation on contents stored in a plurality of entries when a multiple hit occurs from a comparison by the comparing unit, and determines a cause of the multiple hit based on a parity bit and a reverse bit obtained after the OR-operation.
US07716415B2
Whenever N data bits are stored in a cell of a memory that programs each of its cells to represent any one of 2N different patterns of N>1 bits as a respective one of 2N ordered cell states, the N data bits are mapped to a transformed pattern of N bits according to a transformation that maps the pattern of the lowest state (typically all 1's) to a different pattern, and the cell is programmed to represent the transformed pattern. The transformation may invert all, some or only one of the bits of each pattern. Whenever the cells of the memory are read, the transformation is inverted.
US07716414B2
Methods and devices generating and processing update packages containing multiple updates for updating compressed firmware and file systems in an electronic device.
US07716412B2
A data storage apparatus is provided. The data storage apparatus includes: a storage unit managed using a logical block address; a memory; a storage control unit for storing in the storage unit a free area control table transmitted from the host apparatus in which information on a free area in the storage unit is stored; an expanding unit for reading the free area control table in the storage unit and expanding it in the memory; a recording unit for recording data transmitted from the host apparatus into a free area in the storage unit on the basis of the free area control table in the memory; an updating unit for updating the free area control table in the memory after the data recording unit has completed a recording operation; and a transmission unit for transmitting to the host apparatus updated information included in the free area control table which has been updated by the updating unit.
US07716410B2
An information device includes a main processing circuit for executing signal processing related to a main function in the information device, a main microcomputer for controlling the main processing circuit, a receiver circuit for interfacing with the outside of the information device, and an interface microcomputer for controlling the receiver circuit, the interface microcomputer being provided separately from the main microcomputer.
US07716399B2
A method and apparatus for managing data. A request to perform a data operation is received from an application, the request identifying data on which to perform the data operation. The request is delegated to one or more of a plurality of plugins based on the requested data operation, each of the plurality of plugins being associated with at least one distinct data operation. The one or more plugins perform the requested data operation.
US07716397B2
Systems and methods for reducing or eliminating use of read transactions by a message consuming device coupled through a shared bus to a message producing device to transfer a message from the producing device to the consuming device. Features and aspects hereof provide for use of only write transactions on the bus issued by the devices to transfer messages directly into the data memory of the consuming device. A memory manager on the producing device may manage allocation and freeing of buffer space within the data memory of the consuming device. The producing device notifies the consuming device when a message transfer is completed.
US07716396B1
A system for managing a circular buffer memory includes a number of data writers, a number of data readers, a circular buffer memory; and logic configured to form a number of counters, form a number of temporary variables from the counters, and allow the data writers and the data readers to simultaneously access locations in the circular buffer memory determined by the temporary variables.
US07716385B2
A method and architecture for enabling interaction between a remote device and a host computer. A service provided by the remote device is discovered, and a description pertaining to the service is retrieved by the host computer. A network communication link is the established between the remote device and the host computer based on connection information provided by the description. Host-side and client-side software service modules are run on the host and remote devices to enable interaction between the devices using a service protocol that is specific to the service. Various service protocols are provided, including a display service protocol and an input service protocol. Using commands provided by each protocol, the host computer is enabled to control the service remotely by pushing data and appropriate commands to the remote device, whereupon these commands are processed by the client-side service module to perform service operations that employ the sent data.
US07716367B1
A network architecture or framework that supports hosting and content distribution on a truly global scale allows a Content Provider to replicate and serve its most popular content at an unlimited number of points throughout the world. The inventive framework comprises a set of servers operating in a distributed manner. The actual content to be served is preferably supported on a set of hosting servers (sometimes referred to as ghost servers). This content comprises HTML page objects that, conventionally, are served from a Content Provider site. A base HTML document portion of a Web page is served from the Content Provider's site while one or more embedded objects for the page are served from the hosting servers, preferably, those hosting servers near the client machine. By serving the base HTML document from the Content Provider's site, the Content Provider maintains control over the content.
US07716361B2
A method and system for providing persistent media across Web pages using only browser plug-ins. Media selected through a Web browser can play in a way that is embedded in the content, but the media can continue to play while Web pages transition. The content providers benefit from the flexibility of content use, while the user can enjoy playing media without interruptions. The media can stop persisting when the content provider so chooses.
US07716358B2
Streaming media, such as audio or video files, is sent via the Internet. The media are immediately played on a user's computer. Audio/video data is transmitted from the server more rapidly than it is played out by the user system. The audio/video data in the user buffer accumulates; and interruptions in playback as well as temporary modem delays are avoided.
US07716355B2
A method is disclosed for Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) bulk information processing. A request for a plurality of object instances stored in a storage space is received. The request specifies a condition and a maximum number of repetitions. The values of one or more object instances of the plurality of object instances are retrieved. The retrieval of object instance values is terminated when the condition is satisfied even though the maximum number of repetitions is not reached. For example, the condition may be specified by one or more pairs of Object Identifier (OID) values, wherein each pair is represented by a starting OID value and an ending OID value. In this example, the condition is satisfied when an OID value of an object instance that is retrieved is not lexicographically between the starting OID value and the ending OID value of any pair of the one or more pairs.
US07716352B2
An editing system that allows a user, when browsing the web, to select a web page, which is currently being viewed, to be edited. When a user navigates to a web page that the user can edit, the editing system displays an appropriate indication that the page can be edited. When the user selects to edit the currently displayed web page, the editing system enters an editing mode that allows the user to edit the web page within a browsing context. When in editing mode, the editing system may enable various toolbars and buttons within the window of the browser to facilitate the editing. When the user has completed the editing of the web page, the editing system automatically updates the web page at the web site.
US07716344B2
An improved networked computer communications system handles arbitrary streams of data, and transports at varying speeds those streams where intermediate updates can be dropped if they are obsoleted by later arriving data updates, optimizing the utilization of network and node resources. Complex buffering by system server software allows distributed, parallel, or redundant processing, transmission, and storage for performance, reliability, and robustness. Various parameters of the system can be monitored, and the system can be reconfigured automatically based on the observations. Varied techniques reduce the perceived end-to-end latency and take advantage of software and hardware capabilities that assets connected to the system may possess. One conferencing system allows conference participants to share all or a portion of the display seen on their computer screens. The conferees may be at sites removed from each other, or may view a recorded presentation or archived conference at different times. Conference participants are either “presenters” who can modify the display or “attendees” who cannot modify the display. A pointer icon, which can be labeled to identify the conferee, is displayed on the shared image area. Each conferee can modify the position of his or her own pointer, even when not presenting, so that every participant can see what each conferee is pointing to, should a conferee choose to point to an element of the display. These and other features apply to other data streams shared in the conference or in meetings where there is no shared-image data stream.
US07716342B2
A method and system for file-system based caching can be used to improve efficiency and security at network sites. In one set of embodiments, the delivery of content and storing content component(s) formed during generation of the content may be performed by different software components. Content that changes at a relatively high frequency or is likely to be regenerated between requests may not have some or all of its corresponding files cached. Additionally, extra white space may be removed before storing to reduce the file size. File mapping may be performed to ensure that a directory within the cache will have an optimal number of files. Security at the network site may be increased by using an internally generated filename that is not used or seen by the client computer. Many variations may be used is achieving any one or more of the advantages described herein.
US07716338B1
The present invention provides a tunnel access server facilitating communications between a user element and protected network resources, wherein a tunneling session is established between the tunnel access server and the user element. To allow the user element to send packets to a protected network resource, the tunnel access server will send a target network address to the user element, and the user element will use the target network address for sending packets to the protected network resource. The packets intended for the protected network resource are initially sent to the tunnel access server via the existing tunneling session. When the user element moves from one access network to another, the tunnel access server will reserve the target network address previously assigned to the user element and reassign the target network address to the user element over a second tunneling session established over the new access network.
US07716337B2
An intermediate device which can be introduced and removed in seamless way is disclosed. The state information acquiring means acquires state information required to maintain the state of a session established between the first information processing device and the second information processing device for the information processing service, from the first information processing device or the second information processing device. The intermediate service managing means generates, based on the state information, transfer rules for applying the intermediate service to data of the information processing service, and transferring the data to which the intermediate service is applied. The transfer control means maintains the state of the existing session between itself and the second information processing device, establishes a new session between itself and the first information processing device, and transfers the data using the existing session and the new session, according to the transfer rules.
US07716335B2
An application server may be instrumented to provide a resource measurement framework to collect resource usage data regarding request processing by the application server and applications executing on the application server. The resource measurement framework of an application server may collect hardware and software resource usage data regarding request processing at interception points located at interfaces between application components and services or other components of the application server by instrumenting those interfaces. The resource measurement framework may collect resource usage by instrumenting standard interfaces and/or methods of various specifications, such as implemented by containers or other components of the application server. Thus, the resource measurement framework may collect resource usage for applications or application components that do not include any resource measuring capabilities. The collected resource usage data may be parsed and combined to create an overall characterization of resource usage corresponding to the application server's request processing.
US07716332B1
A system and method for facilitating communication between a user and a network of information items. The system includes a remote data storage device for storing the information items, wherein the information items are stored in the form of pages, and wherein the pages contain a plurality of links to other information items; a client device having a user interface program thereon, for allowing a user to interface with the network and request the information items; a server device, in communication with the client device and in communication with the remote storage device, for handling information requests from multiple clients and for storing information retrieved from the data storage devices locally in a server cache memory; a data collection module for collecting and storing successive user actions; and a probability module in communication with the data collection module for calculating a probability for the links, and for comparing the probability to a predetermined threshold value, and for retrieving the information items associated with the links from the remote data storage devices and storing the information items in the server cache memory in advance of a user request for the selected information items.
US07716326B2
The invention can enable monitoring of the display of content by a computer system. Moreover, the invention can enable monitoring of the displayed content to produce monitoring information from which conclusions may be deduced regarding the observation of the displayed content by an observer. The invention can also enable monitoring of the display at a content display site of content that is provided by a content provider site over a network to the content display site. Additionally, the invention can enable the expeditious provision of updated and/or tailored content over a network from a content provider site to a content display site so that the content provider's current and appropriately tailored content is always displayed at the content display site. Aspects of the invention related to transfer of content over a network are generally applicable to any type of network. However, it is contemplated that the invention can be particularly useful with a computer network, including private computer networks (e.g., America Online™) and public computer networks (e.g., the Internet). In particular, the invention can be advantageously used with computer networks or portions of computer networks over which video and/or audio content are transferred from one network site to another network site for observation, such as the World Wide Web portion of the Internet.
US07716303B2
Methods, apparatuses, and articles for receiving a search request associated with a transportation service from a client device, the search request including a plurality of search criteria, are described herein. Additionally, the methods, apparatuses, and articles further return to the client device an answer page having a plurality of answers potentially associated with the transportation service, the plurality of answers identifying a plurality of information locations having information potentially associated with at least a one of the plurality of search criteria, where at least one of the answers includes at least one input field of a query answer page for entry of at least one feature of the transportation service, the query answer page to be dynamically generated by one of the information locations in response to a query.
US07716298B2
A location messaging system creates and delivers messages in a global virtual space, at the best time and location, in the optimal context. The recipient can be either generally or specifically targeted. The location message criteria can be formatted so that only a specific group of people see the message. Location messaging leaves “triggers” in a virtual location that can be either action or time related. Using action triggers, the location message will not be delivered until the recipient performs the predetermined action. That action includes things like visiting a web page/site, opening or editing a document, scanning a badge through a badge reader, buying a product from a store, or combining physical aspects to these virtual actions. Using time triggers, the location message has the ability to increase or decrease delivery or importance levels automatically. The location message will not be displayed or delivered to the recipient until that individual activates the message; messages are activated by performing some action predetermined by the message sender or a sender specified time duration has elapsed. Location messages have physical attributes associated with them. This allows a sender to leave a message for a recipient that is displayed only when he accesses a specific document from a specific place.
US07716296B2
A facsimile/email communication system and method providing a user the ability to send emails from any standalone facsimile machine and providing a user the ability to logon to a centralized web server and send facsimiles to any standalone fax machine.
US07716291B2
A method and apparatus for a message targeting and filtering database system are provided to deliver bulk messages to demographically selected audiences of willing recipients while preserving each recipient's anonymity and control over his private personal data, accomplished by means of a radically distributed database technique in which all operations requiring unencrypted data access are distributed to individual client devices.
US07716277B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a highly reliable image database system capable of accessing image data at high speed regardless of the increase of the image data and capable of controlling the image data as a whole. A storage unit 1, a control unit 2, an image database server 3 and a DICOM gateway 4 are subjected with each other to network connection. The storage unit 1 stores medical image data. The control unit 2 controls the storage unit. The image database server 3 stores key information associated with the image data stored and applies relay processing between an externally connected viewer and the image database server. The DICOM gateway 4 applies relay processing via a DICOM protocol between a plurality of modality devices externally connected with the image database server and the DICOM gateway. A control unit group, an image database server group, and a DICOM gateway group are constituted by providing at least a plurality of control units, a plurality of image database servers and a plurality of DICOM gateways, and a load balancer for executing load distribution control of every group is provided for every group based on header information of a request.
US07716269B2
A multiply accumulate unit (“MAC”) that performs operations on packed integer data. In one embodiment, the MAC receives 2 32-bit data words which, depending on the specified mode of operation, each contain either four 8-bit operands, two 16-bit operands, or one 32-bit operand. Depending on the mode of operation, the MAC performs either sixteen 8×8 operations, four 16×16 operations, or one 32×32 operation. Results may be individually retrieved from registers and the corresponding accumulator cleared after the read cycle. In addition, the accumulators may be globally initialized. Two results from the 8×8 operations may be packed into a single 32-bit register. The MAC may also shift and saturate the products as required.
US07716264B2
An apparatus for performing alignment shifting in a floating-point unit is disclosed. An alignment shifter includes a shift amount calculator, a set of first level shifters and a set of second level shifter. The shift amount calculator generates one shift amount under a double-precision mode and two shift amounts under a single-precision mode. The first level shifters can concurrently receive two double-precision mantissas under the double-precision mode or two single-precision mantissas under the single-precision mode. The first level of shifts performs small shifts concurrently on the two double-precision mantissas according to the single shift amount, or on the two single-precision mantissas according to the two shift amounts. The second level shifters performs large shifts on outputs from the first level shifters to generate one double-precision floating-point result or two single-precision floating-point results.
US07716255B2
A computer system includes a repository with predefined data elements for use in identifying information portions in electronic communications. Each data element is associated with semantic information indicating its definition and intended use. The system includes a modeling tool that, upon selection by a user, displays any of the predefined data elements and the semantic information for editing. A method includes receiving a first user input made under guidance of the modeling tool in a graphical user interface (GUI). The input selects one of several predefined data elements that are associated with semantic information indicating their definition and intended use. In response to the first user input, a representation of the selected predefined data element containing the semantic information is presented in the GUI. At least one aspect of the semantic information is modified based on a second user input made under guidance of the modeling tool.
US07716245B2
In a content distribution method, two or more certification marks (130) are produced for the content to be delivered, each of the certification marks containing a temporary access information item defining an accessing right to the content. Each of the certification marks is distributed to a user at a shop. In a content delivery server, two or more content delivery information items are stored in association with the content, each of the delivery information items containing said temporary access information item. A network device (120) reads the temporary access information item from the certification mark purchased by the user. The network device accesses the content delivery server (110) using the temporary access information item, and receives the content from the content delivery server.
US07716242B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that controls access to personally identifiable information (PII) in a database system. During operation, the system receives a request from an application to perform a function which involves accessing information in the database system. In response to the request, the system identifies a purpose that the application has in making request to perform the function. Next, the system uses the purpose to identify a set of attributes in the database system, which are associated with the purpose. The system then determines if any of the identified attributes contain PII. If so, the system enforces access controls while accessing the identified attributes containing PII.
US07716238B2
Exemplary systems and methods for server management are provided. An exemplary system comprises a plurality of servers, with each server having the ability to access a database or, in some embodiments, be configured to perform a calculation, computation or make a determination of a particular value, values or other information. A communications network delivers queries to each server whereby a look-up table directs query processing by the servers. Further embodiments of the system feature a program logic controller for rebalancing the workload of the network servers. Exemplary methods of processing queries on the system comprise submitting a query to the network, communicating the query to each server in the network and each server looking-up on a look-up table the processing responsibilities of the servers in the network. The query is processed by the server having primary responsibility for processing the query while other the servers monitor query processing. Transmission of a query result to a user typically completes the process.
US07716237B2
A method and apparatus enables a feature among a plurality of features in an application loaded on a client, with the client located remotely from a server. The server receives a data profile request from the client. In response to the data profile request, a data profile is sent from the server to the client, the data profile including a profile key to identify the client, an application identification to identify the application, and a feature selector. The application uses the feature selector to enable the feature among the plurality of features.
US07716232B2
Devices, systems, and methods are described for authoring, producing, securing, and/or distributing multiple variations of an instance of a media presentation. For example, one device embodiment includes a processor and memory having instructions executable on the processor. The instructions can allow a producer of media content to define a number of variating dimensions for a media presentation, maintain subscriber variation database tables having records that define subscriber variations in terms of a set of variating dimensions from the number of variating dimensions, maintain media element database tables having records that define media elements in terms of a set of variating dimensions from the number of variating dimensions, and determine which elements and in what order the elements are to be included a variation of an instance of a media presentation.
US07716231B2
Alternative representations are generated from a user's audible or visual data submission (e.g., user's picture) for use as part of an online account profile or user identification in an online service (e.g., online gaming user profile) or computer device. A specific representation is selected for use with the online account or computing device. Furthermore, a specific representation of the user's audible or visual data that is suitable for a particular display device (e.g., television, cellular telephone) can be generated and presented.
US07716228B2
Embodiments herein receive a set of content quality threshold values, a search string, and a content data stream at a content quality metric (CQM) apparatus. Content segments associated with the content data stream are scored and/or graded according to a set of content relevance scales. The content data stream is then filtered to include only passing content segments and intermediate calculation values used to determine whether a content segment is passing. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07716224B2
Search may be performed on a user device, such as a handheld electronic book reader device. A search query term may be received. Text of a collection of electronic items stored in memory of the user device may be searched for the queried term. Search results may be returned identifying locations in the electronic items at which the queried term appears.
US07716222B2
A quorum-based server power-down mechanism allows a manager in a computer cluster to power-down unresponsive servers in a manner that assures that an unresponsive server does not become responsive again. In order for a manager in a cluster to power down servers in the cluster, the cluster must have quorum, meaning that a majority of the computers in the cluster must be responsive. If the cluster has quorum, and if the manager server did not fail, the manager causes the failed server(s) to be powered down. If the manager server did fail, the new manager causes all unresponsive servers in the cluster to be powered down. If the power-down is successful, the resources on the failed server(s) may be failed over to other servers in the cluster that were not powered down. If the power-down is not successful, the cluster is disabled.
US07716213B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for efficiently supporting generic SQL data manipulation statements. The method includes determining whether an SQL statement includes extended indicator parameters such as DEFAULT and UNASSIGNED indicators. The method further includes delaying an authorization check for an operation for an SQL statement using extended indicators, and bypassing an SQL exception where an otherwise unauthorized operation involves an UNASSIGNED variable. The method further includes bypassing a database operation such as a referential integrity check where a data change would induce the database operation, but the data change involves an UNASSIGNED variable. The method further includes modifying the SQL statement when the SQL statement involves an UNASSIGNED variable in a predicate clause, allowing the SQL statement to properly execute.
US07716212B2
A query framework system is provided. The query framework system comprises a query framework service for consuming a query and returning a result set, a provider application programming interface for defining a consistent application programming interface for providers, one or more providers incorporating query processing logic, and a configuration repository for storing the list of the providers in the query framework system and their properties.
US07716208B2
Methods and Apparatuses for RFID handshaking are provided. A first number is received by a reader from a tag. The first number is a random number. In response, a handshake command and a second number is transmitted to the tag by the reader. If the first number matches the second number, then handshaking is successful and tag data is received.
US07716201B2
Methods and systems for reconstructing a full query based on a partial query are disclosed. Existing interfaces for search engines may be rigid and require users to submit full queries to perform searched. The methods and systems described herein may solve these problems by allowing a flexible way for users to submit a partial query and reconstruct a full query based on the partial query. A search may then be performed using the reconstructed query.
